Andrea Aron, Madison
Andrea is an artist and an arts advocate who has dedicated her life to learning the arts and passing her knowledge onto the next generation. She advocates for the arts to be on the top of the priority list in Connecticut and is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has an equal change and ability to experience the arts.
Rebecca Atkins, Norwich
Becca uses the arts to change people's lives. Through Artreach's music/comedy/performances, she promotes recovery, increases resiliency and enhances the quality of life for so many. She is true inspiration who uses the power of the arts as a healing tool.
Chris Belden, Ridgefield
Chris' compassion for those that are often ignored in society shines through with the dedication he brings to the inmate at Garner Correctional Center during his weekly volunteer creative-writing sessions. He believes all people deserve the right to express themselves, he allows that freedom to the inmates.
Bill Dougal, Lebanon
Bill provides laughter, creativity and smiles from ear-to-ear to children at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC). His talent for creating a caricature at lightning speed has children in awe and helps them forget why they are in the hospital for a little while; and that means the world to the children and the parents.
Jason Farquharson, Hartford
Jason believes in his hometown of Hartford and in the beauty of the people who reside in its different neighborhoods. His Hartford Paint the City project focuses on the people and Jason celebrates them through his magnificent murals. He wants to change the way people think about Hartford by changing the way they see Hartford.
Judith McElhone, Torrington
Judy is a force! She has created a hub for visual art in NW CT and has created opportunities for artists in every stage of their career. She is self-less, kind, generous with her time and talent and has been a force in making the careers of young artists come alive for decades.
Luciana McClure, Hamden
Lucy is an inspiring leader, a selfless advocate and a fierce motivator of social change through artistic expression and activism. She is the founding organizer of the Nasty Women Movement and leads Nasty Women Connecticut. She unites communities, amplifies the voices of minorities and raises resources for countless organizations throughout Connecticut.
Rene Soto, Norwalk
Rene uses arts to heal, unify and inspire other artists. He has made the Rene Soto Gallery a home for artists to express themselves and share their work. It has become a welcoming home for local and international artists, poets, dancers and more.
Chase Taylor, Waterbury
Chase is a passionate young artist and author of engaging children's books that encourage a love of learning and imaginative play. He has championed the hurdles of his Autism diagnosis and is an inspirational role model to many; proving that having a disability does not mean a person is incapable of achieving big goals and dreams.