The 40th Annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards
Celebrating the people, artists, and supporters who shape culture in Northeast Louisiana!
AND THE FINALISTS ARE...
The public has voted, and we are excited to officially announce the finalists for the 40th Annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Council Arts Awards.
For nearly 40 years, the Arts Awards have celebrated the artists, educators, organizations, businesses, volunteers, and advocates who shape the cultural landscape of Northeast Louisiana. This year’s finalists were selected through a region-wide public voting process, reflecting the voices and support of the communities they serve.
Please join us in congratulating the following finalists:
Arts Educator of the Year (K–12)
• Danny Mejia
• Jason Gray
• Joni Dollar
• Deana Revels
• Jeanne Patterson
Higher Education Arts Educator of the Year
• Claire Vangelisti
• Joey Slaughter
• Emily Ezell
• Brooke Cassady
• Megan Smith
Visual Artist of the Year
• Ashley Greer
• Natalie Sturgis
• Vitus Shell
• Stacy Medaries
• Krewe Creative
Performing Artist of the Year
• Emily Stogner
• Taylor Michiels
• Jackson Culp
• Moira O’Connor
• The John L. Brown Sr. Memorial Scholarship Band
Emerging Artist
• Kassie Greer
• Jari Richardson
• Chloë Alexander
• Jansyn Jenkins
• Daija Essien
Literary Artist of the Year
• John Brown
• Jamie Mayes
• Monique Shantay
Community Arts Impact Award
• Madge Ross
• Brandon Virgil Sr.
• Dr. Alicia Jones
• Cathy Airhart-Webb
BART Award (Business Art Award)
• Tommy’s Tees
• Creative Exchange
• KEDM
• Flying Tiger Brewery
• The Good Daze
Volunteer of the Year
• Eleanor Hatfield
• Taylor Michiels
• Jennifer Haynes
• Nirali Patel
• Patrik Pyburn
Award recipients will be announced during the 40th Annual Arts Awards celebration on:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Strauss Theatre Center
Monroe, Louisiana
Limited tickets are available - call 318-397-6717 or email info@nelaarts.org to reserve yours, as seating is limited.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted nominations, participated in public voting, and continues to support the arts across Region 8.
The Arts Awards belong to this region - and this year, the region helped decide.
How It Works...
- Public Nominations Open - February 16th-March 25th
Anyone may nominate an individual, organization, or business based in the 12 parishes of Region 8 (Northeast Louisiana). Those parishes are Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll. Board members and arts organizations are encouraged to nominate, and self-nominations are welcome. - Finalists Notified - Early April
Eligible nominations are reviewed to confirm criteria and consolidated into a shortlist of finalists for each category. - Public Voting - Ends Wednesday, May 6th
Finalists are presented to the public, and community members vote to determine award recipients.
- How Finalists Are Selected: After nominations close, all eligible nominees will be presented for public voting. Voting results will be used to determine which nominees advance to the Arts Awards celebration. For each award category, up to five (5) nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be invited to attend the Arts Awards event as finalists. In some categories, fewer than five finalists may advance if fewer nominees receive votes. - Arts Awards Celebration - Thursday, June 25th
Winners are announced at the 41st Annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards event held June 25th at the Strauss Theatre Center in Monroe.
About the Categories...
Arts Educator of the Year
Recognizes an outstanding K–12 arts educator teaching in a public, private, or parochial school setting whose instruction and leadership have made a meaningful impact on students and the school community. Includes both visual and performing arts educators; one award is given.
Higher Education Arts Educator of the Year
Honors a university-level arts educator who demonstrates excellence in teaching, mentorship, and contribution to the regional arts landscape. Includes both visual and performing arts educators; one award is given.
Visual Artist of the Year
Recognizes a visual artist whose work reflects artistic excellence, creativity, and significant cultural impact within Region 8.
Performing Artist of the Year
Honors a performing artist whose work and presence have strengthened the cultural life of Northeast Louisiana.
Emerging Artist Award
Recognizes a young or early-career artist (approximately high school graduate through age 25) who shows exceptional promise and dedication to their artistic practice.
BART Award (Business Art Award)
Honors a business that demonstrates meaningful support for the arts through sponsorship, advocacy, partnerships, or direct investment in artists and arts organizations.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Recognizes an individual whose volunteer service has made a lasting and meaningful impact on arts organizations or initiatives in Region 8.
Literary Artist of the Year
Recognizes a writer whose work contributes to the literary and cultural landscape of Region 8. This includes authors, poets, playwrights, essayists, and spoken word artists whose writing demonstrates creativity, impact, and a meaningful connection to the community.
Community Arts Impact Award
Recognizes an individual or organization making a meaningful impact through the arts outside of traditional school settings. This may include community-based programs, workshops, outreach initiatives, and efforts that expand access to the arts and strengthen communities across Region 8.
Eligibility
Nominees must live, work, or primarily operate in Region 8 (Northeast Louisiana)
You may submit multiple nominations
Self-nominations are allowed
The 2025 Arts Awards Winners Were...
The 2025 Business Art (BART) winner is:
Gilley Enterprises/McDonald’s, nominated by Louisiana Delta Ballet
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year winner is:
Carmen McNew, nominated by Strauss Youth Academy
The 2025 Tommy Usrey Performing Artist of the Year winner is:
Amelia Haynes Littleton, nominated by Twin City Ballet Company
The 2025 Edmund Williamson Artist of the Year winner is:
Inique Harris, nominated by TCAF/Masur Museum
The 2025 Dot Bassett Emerging Artist winner is:
Anna Beth Ellerman, nominated by Sherri Slade
The 2025 Region 8 Arts Educator of the Year winner is:
Karen Sharp, nominated by Sherri Slade
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR 2025 WINNERS!
