13th Annual Ulster County Executive’s Arts Awards
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
Every June, as schools close and vacations begin, excitement fills the air, and celebrations abound. During this time, Arts Mid-Hudson honors the remarkable art community at the 13th Annual Ulster County Executive’s Arts Awards, held at the Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in Saugerties on June 11 at 5:30 p.m. This year, the partnership with Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger will recognize nine distinguished awardees. Nominated by the community, these individuals are celebrated for their significant contributions to the cultural growth of Ulster County, their extraordinary support for the arts, and their visionary leadership in using the arts to enrich the community.
This year’s event will bring together local talents, influencers, and art enthusiasts. The festivities kick off with music of guitarist Sam Bernhardt accompanied by Max Liebman on upright bass. Their performance promises a musical journey through America’s diverse soundscape, setting the perfect tone for the evening.
As the melodies fill the air, guests will enjoy food, beverages, and some lighthearted balloon-popping fun alongside awardees and local celebrities. Among the distinguished attendees are Ava Savosh, the dynamic VP of Sales for iHeart Media’s Upstate Area, and Zachary Bowman, the passionate Manager of Education and Visitor Experience at The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art. Leading the night’s celebrations is MC Rob Sweeney, the beloved Commissioned Pastor at Old Dutch Church in Kingston, who passionately advocates for arts, education, and cultural events.
This year’s awards honor an array of remarkable individuals and organizations that have left a lasting impact on the arts. Trina Greene, the Artivist Awardee, is a celebrated sculptor from New Paltz whose works in clay and bronze evoke deep emotional connections, showcasing the beauty of the human spirit. The Midtown Kingston Arts District (MKAD), recognized with the Arts in Education Award, is revitalizing Kingston by fostering creativity and inclusivity through impactful arts education and vibrant public events.
The Arts Organization Award goes to My Kingston Kids, which ignites imagination and self- expression in youth through dynamic arts programs, ensuring that every child can explore their artistic potential in a supportive environment. Amy Park, the Art in Public Places Awardee, has transformed Ellenville with theater-inspired murals at Shadowland Stages, merging artistry and community into stunning visual narratives.
The Woodstock Bookfest is this year’s Business Awardee. It was founded by Martha Frankel, a lifelong writer and celebrity journalist who curates the annual gathering for literary enthusiasts, featuring acclaimed authors like Susan Orlean and Cheryl Strayed.
The evening will also celebrate Individual Artists Awardee Pablo Shine, a revered educator and musician who has enriched the Hudson Valley community over the past four decades, along with William Rhoads, the Impact in the Arts Awardee, whose contributions as a retired Art History professor and author have deepened our understanding of regional culture.
Cora Belle Mahr Spreen, the Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts Awardee, stands out as a talented young artist and dedicated student-athlete, inspiring her peers through her artistic journey and commitment to mentorship. Lastly, Chris Silva, the Special Citation Awardee, is a visionary leader in the performing arts, making waves at the Bardavon and UPAC with transformative projects that touch the lives of 20,000 children annually.
“I’m thrilled to be celebrating the incredible individuals and organizations whose contributions to the arts have had a profound impact both locally and regionally,” says Metzger. “The arts play a crucial role in our collective well-being—igniting creativity, expanding our perspectives, and elevating our quality of life.”
All proceeds from this event will support the arts in Ulster County, ensuring that creativity continues to flourish in the region. For more information and to be part of this inspiring celebration, visit www.artsmidhudson.org/uc-arts-awards.
If you go:
13th Annual Ulster County Executive’s Arts Awards
Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern, 25 South Partition Street, Saugerties, NY 12477
Date: June 11, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: (845) 454-3222
www.artsmidhudson.org/uc-arts-awards
