2024 Mayor's Awards for the Arts

November 9, 2024

The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) and the City of Springfield proudly announce the winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, recognizing exceptional talent and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Menard counties. This year’s honorees were celebrated at the awards ceremony held on November 2, 2024, at the Inn at 835. The event brought together community members, supporters, and artists, celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions to the local arts scene.

Each winner exemplifies the vibrancy, resilience, and creativity that define our community. With awards across categories including individual artists, education, and volunteerism, the evening highlighted the diversity of our community’s arts landscape.

2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts Recipients:

Visual Artist: Robert Mazrim – Recognized for his impactful contributions to the visual arts in Springfield.
Performing Artist: Timothy Crawford – Celebrated for his dynamic presence and commitment to the performing arts.
Literary Artist: John Paul Jaramillo – Honored for his contributions to literary arts, providing engagement through his written work.
Arts Organization: Hoogland Center for the Arts – Acknowledged for its ongoing support and cultivation of arts programming that serves and uplifts the community.
Business Supportive of the Arts: Perspectives Art Gallery – Commended for their dedication to supporting local artists and fostering an appreciation for the arts in Menard County and beyond.
Arts Volunteer: Jennifer Bettis – Recognized for her selfless dedication and countless hours supporting arts events and initiatives.
Arts Educator: Mary Kate Smith – Honored for her impact on young artists, nurturing talent and fostering creativity in her students.
Exceptional Arts Student: Cicely Flynn – Celebrated as an emerging artist with remarkable promise and achievement in her academic achievements.

This year, the nomination committee unanimously agreed to honor Austin Wells with a Special Recognition award for his unique contributions and dedication to advancing the arts in Springfield.

The evening also highlighted the integral role the arts play in building community and fostering connection. "Without art, we’d have no color, no rhythm, and no voice to express who we are. Tonight, we honor the individuals who bring art to life in Sangamon and Menard counties, making our community a vibrant place to live," said Bella Szabo, Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council.

The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts not only celebrates individual and organizational achievements but also underscores the importance of supporting the arts within local communities. This year’s event was made possible by the generosity of sponsors and a long-standing partnership with the City of Springfield.

For more information on the Springfield Area Arts Council and the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, please visit our website or follow us on social media.

Photo by William Richards Photography

From left to right:

Sarah Thomas, award-designing artist; Mary Kate Smith, Arts Educator; Toni Lowenthall - owner of Perspectives Art Gallery, Business Supporting the Arts; John Paul Jaramillo, Literary Artist; Robert Mazrim, Visual Artist; Timothy Crawford, Performing Artist; Jennifer Bettis, Arts Volunteer; Gus Gordon - Executive Director of Hoogland Center for the Arts, Arts Organization; Alderwoman Erin Conley, City of Springfield.

Not Photographed:

Cicely Flynn, Exceptional Arts Student; Austin Wells, Special Recognition.