The Humboldt Arts Council’s
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award
Since 1970, 87 distinguished Humboldt artists, arts organizations, businesses, educators and individuals have been recognized for their passion, creativity and devotion to the excellence and diversity of Humboldt’s arts and cultural community. Each year nominations are open to the public to ensure that artists, arts organizations, educators and community organizations and arts supporters from all over the county have an opportunity to be honored for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Humboldt and the cultural life of the North Coast.
Nomination Categories:
ARTIST- A living Humboldt County artist active in the field of literature, visual arts, performing arts, folk arts, architecture, design or film.
ARTS IN EDUCATION – Individual-An educator, teaching artist, school administrator or school volunteer who has demonstrated significant support or participation in fostering excellence in, appreciation of, or access to arts education in Humboldt.
ARTS IN EDUCATION – Organization-A nonprofit arts organization or school that has demonstrated significant support or participation in activities which foster excellence in, appreciation of, or access to arts education in Humboldt.
BUSINESS-A business or corporation that has made a significant contribution to support arts/culture in Humboldt.
COMMUNITY-A Humboldt community organization or institution for an outstanding arts-based community program or project. Schools and school districts are not eligible in this category.
INDIVIDUAL-A living Humboldt individual who has made a significant impact on arts/culture in the county through philanthropy, leadership and/or direct involvement.
Previous Award Winners:
2018-Libby Maynard
2017-Rob Holmlund
2016-Jack & Amy Sewell
2015-Joel & Lora Canzoneri
2014-Gregg Gardiner & Kathy Cloney Gardiner
2013-Peter Santino
2012-Gary & Pam Barker
2011-Jim McVicker & Theresa Oats
2010-Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir ; Center Arts (HSU)
Eureka Heritage Society ; Eureka Symphony KEET-TV ; North Coast Dance, 101 Things to Do (publishers of the Palette Magazine) Redwood Art Association ; Redwood Coast Music Festivals; The Scotia Band
2009-Bob & Lynne Wells
2008-Duane Flatmo
2007 - Carnegie Restoration Co-Chairs: Sally Arnot, Floyd Bettiga & Robert Yarber
2006 - William & Elizabeth Pierson
2005 - Glenn Berry
2004 - Muriel Dinsmore & Sheila Marks
2003 - Melvin Schuler
2002 - George and Peggy Schmidbauer
2001 - Rob and Cherie Arkley
2000 - The Humboldt Docent Council
1999 - The Ink People Center for the Arts
1998 - Senator Mike Thompson
1997 - United Indian Health Services, Inc.
1996 - 30th Anniversary: Dr. Richard Anderson, Dr. Homer Balabanis, Helen Everett, Jo Madsen, Frank Marks, Lillian May Yendes, & Ray Vellutini
1995 - Dell’Arte Inc.: Peter Buckley, Michael Fields, Donald Forrest, Michael Foster, Jane Hill, Carlo Mazzone-Clementi, Bobbi Ricca and Joan Schirle
1994 - Pacific Art Center Theatre Founders
1993 - Humboldt Light Opera Co. Founders: Francine Peterson, James Stanard, Philip Kates, Jeana Stanard, and David Peterson
1992 - Floyd Bettiga and Deborah Clasquin
1991 - June Beal
1990 - Bonnie Neely
1989 - Morris Graves and Robert Yarber
1988 - Jane Hill
1986 - Lillian May Yendes
1985 - Jeannette Carroll
1984 - Monica Hadley
1983 - Ardene Janssen
1982 - Victor Corbett
1981 - Muriel Dinsmore
1980 - Dolores and Ray Vellutini
1979 - Iris and Lloyd Anderson
1978 - Jeanne Fish
1977 - Sally Arnot
1976 - Helen Everett
1975 - Jean and Charles Fulkerson
1974 - Ellen Avery and Dr. Leland Barlow
1973 - Homer Balabanis
1972 - Janie Clarke Walsh
1971 - John Van Duzer and Floyd Bettiga
1970 - Harriet and William Crane