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Urban ArtWorks (Organization Award) engage youth, artists, and communities in the creation of public art murals. Founded in 1995, Urban ArtWorks has facilitated thousands of public art projects across Seattle and the surrounding region. Urban ArtWorks’ core youth programs have mentored thousands of young people to strengthen their art and employment skills, deepen their support networks, and expand their self-efficacy.
Sequim City Band (Organization Award) was established in 1992 as the only community band on the North Olympic Peninsula. Sequim City Band performs up to 10 free concerts each year, promoting musical expression opportunities to students and senior citizens alike and enriching the lives of attendees. The Band attracts members ranging from high-school aged members to octogenarians and demonstrates exceptional commitment to and engagement with their local community.
Collin J. Pittmann (Young Leader Award), age 23, is a jack-of-all-trades for Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, where he also directs the Conservatory Program for students in grades 2-12. As a rural student himself, Collin has effectively marketed the Conservatory to a large region, drawing 1/3 of registrants from outside the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley, and 15% from out of state. His work includes coordinating and providing scholarships where necessary to eliminate all barriers from children's love of the performing arts. Collin was the founder of the Inland Empire Theatre Company in his hometown of Rosalia, WA, where his family are wheat farmers.
Dr. Ashley DeMoville (Educator Award) is the Director of the Drama Program at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC). She is known for her deep commitment to her students and for her ability to connect live theatre and performance to the time and place of the community. She has been the recipient of The Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Awards which “recognizes programs in higher education using theatrical production to advocate for justice on campus and throughout the world.” She has received Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Awards twice (in 2022, and 2023) for productions she has directed or produced.
Formed in 1979 by a small group of artists, Allied Arts of Whatcom County (Community Impact Award) is the leading arts agency in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Allied Arts staff and volunteers empower artists through events and gallery space, enrich school children through educational outreach, and work as liaisons to art enthusiasts of all ages. Their initiatives make the region a creative, vibrant place to live.
Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobb (Legacy Award) is an avid music educator and world-renowned maestro. He has impacted tens of thousands of youth in Pierce County over the last 27 years as the Music Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association. Educated in Michigan, Vienna, Austria and the University of Washington his unique combination of high expectations and a genuinely caring approach has developed his groups into award winning orchestras. Dr. Cobb currently is the Music Director and Conductor for the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, the Evergreen Music Festival, and the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mimi Gardner Gates (Arts & Heritage Champion Award) is a renowned figure in the Washington arts world. With a career that spans decades, she has made significant contributions as a curator, art historian, and museum director. Gates served as the Director of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) for over a decade, overseeing critical expansions and acquisitions. Under her leadership, the Olympic Sculpture Park was created and the downtown museum was expanded. Gates is a former fellow of the Yale Corporation and the founder of the Gardner Center for Asian Art and Ideas at the Seattle Art Museum.
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