Adam Atkins, Winsted
Adam has taught music at The Gilbert School in Winsted for over 20 years. He is an educator who is highly dedicated to his students' success and devotes significant time when the school day ends to support his students.
Bruce John, Willimantic
Bruce is the founder of the Breadbox Folk Theatre, a music and open mic venue whose concerts have raised over $40,000 to feed individuals and families in need throughout the Windham region and provides funds to offset the cost of heating the No Freeze shelter in Willimantic.
Suzanne Kachmar, Bridgeport
Suzanne, a self-proclaimed "Bridgeport Art Lifer,” is a pioneer and leader in the Bridgeport arts community. She created the Bridgeport Art Trail, a four-day celebration of all things creative, cultural and arts-related in Bridgeport.
Lynnette Letsky Piombo, Waterbury
Lynnette is a long-time volunteer in the Waterbury arts community, advocating for and participating in a diverse set of arts-related projects, programs and organizations.Wendy Black-NastaWendy is the founder of Artists for World Peace, a group of artists and activists who promote peace and support some of the world's greatest challenges.
Wendy Black-Nasta
Wendy is the founder of Artists for World Peace, a group of artists and activists who promote peace and support some of the world's greatest challenges.
Dayna Snell, New Britain
Dayna is the executive director and co-founder of Queen Anne Nzinga Center in New Britain where she promotes positive youth development among children of all races and abilities.
Allison Stockel, Ridgefield
Allison is an active community participant and supporter of the arts who volunteers her time and expertise to The Ridgefield Playhouse as the executive director. She also supports the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ability Beyond Disability and the Keeler Tavern Museum.
Joy Supples, Groton
Joy is an art instructor at the Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton where she has taught studio art since 2005. Joy is the founder of the Connecticut Submarine Trail which raises the profile of the region's military heritage.
Aaron Jafferis, New Haven
Aaron writes and teaches poetry, spoken word and hip hop to middle and high school students in the City of New Haven, where he organizes two citywide poetry jams and runs The Word program, which engages hip hop artists to work as teaching artists in the New Haven public school system.