Dysen White paints a mural to cover a broken window at Sisters Thai Cafe on Oct. 24, 2023, in downtown Rockford. White was named the Young Arts Ambassador of the Year by the Rockford Area Arts Council. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Rockford Area Arts Council on Friday handed out a dozen awards recognizing artists and organizations for their contributions to the local art scene.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony at Rockford Woman’s Club. The annual event honors individuals and advocacy groups who have contributed to the enrichment of the Rockford region.

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Here are this year’s winners:

2024 Rockford Area Arts Awards winners

Arts Educator of the Year: New Genres Art Space

Distinguished Artist of the Year: Nancie King Mertz

Excellence in Service to the Arts Award – individual: Jennifer Kuroda

Excellence in Service to the Arts Award – organization: Maze Books

Innovation Award: Rock & Roll Institute

Literary Excellence: Kimberla Lawson Roby

Performing Artist of the Year: Caitlyn Baylor and Meghan Baylor

Placemaking and Spacemaking: Domingos En El Parque

Production of the Year: Soar Awards

Visual Artist of the Year: Molly Carter

Young Arts Ambassador: Dysen White

Lifetime Achievement: Jeff Hendry