01 Sep NICKEL PLATE ARTS ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR ANNUAL AWARDS
Noblesville nonprofit will “Paint the Town Red” at September’s celebratory event
On September 23, 2021, Noblesville Creates will hold its ninth anniversary “Paint the Town Red” gala to celebrate the area’s diverse and growing arts scene in Hamilton County. The evening’s capstone event is the Noblesville Creates Award ceremony which recognizes local artists, teachers, advocates, and leaders.
The gala is being held at Hub & Spoke, a Fishers design center, and will feature dinner by Jacquie’s Catering, live music by Indy Gorgeous Club and Joy Collins & Steve Newby, hands-on arts experiences, and a live auction during Noblesville Creates’ premiere fundraiser of the year.
“Our planning committee is thrilled to bring this annual event back, live and in-person, at the gorgeous Hub & Spoke designer center. We’ve creatively utilized all the open space, inside and out, which will allow us to celebrate these artists in person and in style,” said Executive Director Ailithir McGill.
“Noblesville Creates is eager to celebrate each of the nominees for their accomplishments and passion. This year we are recognizing 21 individuals and businesses who are actively engaged in strengthening the arts community. We’ve added an Arts Leader of the Year award this year, which is a testament to the strong community involvement in Hamilton County.”
The nominees for the 2021 Noblesville Creates Awards are as follows:
EMERGING ARTS CHAMPION:
David Decker, championed the new makerspace in Hub & Spoke
Ross Hilleary, advocated for the FA + CC grant program
Jason Pearson, spearheaded 2021’s inaugural Front Porch Music Festival
EMERGING ARTISTS:
Frederick Durham, innovative photographer and showcase artist
Daniel Grose, vibrant aerial and traditional photography of the Hamilton County area
Grace Gross, rain barrel contest winner for Lights Over Morse
Teresa Wesley, emerging entrepreneur who creates crochet Amigurumi animals and bracelets
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jessica Hancock, fine art, illustration, and design
Dan Howell, clay work
Jeannie Logan & Marc Feeney, creators of the Cabin Fever Cabaret
Walt Thacker, paintings including the White River canoe project and Carmel water barrels
ARTS PATRON OF THE YEAR:
Karen Huff, regular supporter of local artists and their works
Steve Sanner, founder of the Jiffy Lube Mural Project
Thompson Thrift, supporter of local murals, art projects, and musicians, include Live Listening on the Yard
ARTS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:
Michelle Feeney, connected arts students to at-home art kits during the pandemic and to the ‘Tar City’
Erin Goodman, connected arts students to the Cicero mural and White River Canoe project
ARTS LEADERS OF THE YEAR :
Leah Leach, founder of Gals Guide Library, the only women’s history lending library in the US
Jennie Otterman, local esteemed theatre director, including this year’s Shakespeare in the Park in Noblesville
Tom Rich, President of the Fishers Art Council
Celeste Williams, important journalistic voice and leader of Indiana Writers Center
The evening gala will start with a champagne reception at 5:30 pm, while attendees watch and participate with hands-on art demonstrations of clay, leather work, and paper arts. Red themed art will be displayed across the venue, celebrating the theme of “Paint the Town Red.” There will be a live and silent auction as well as wine pull. All proceeds, including tickets to the gala, benefit Noblesville Creates and the work they do in Hamilton County and around Indiana to cultivate arts resources and celebrate creativity.
The main event begins at 6:30 pm which includes a sumptuous meal from Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, including hors d’oeuvre and dessert. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. The Awards ceremony completes the event. A virtual option is still being explored.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to noblesvillecreates.org/gala.
