ARTS EDUCATION AWARDS
The Arts Education Awards is a distinguished annual event held by Monmouth Arts to honor and acknowledge the power of arts education in Monmouth County. At the ceremony, Monmouth Arts gives out four Arts Education Awards and three Emerging Artist Scholarships while guests enjoy exciting student performances and light refreshments.
2023 Arts Education Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Bungalow Lounge Hotel, Pier Village
50 Laird Street, Long Branch, NJ
Students: Free (Registration is required)
Adult Tickets: $25
2022 Award Recipients
Community Champion of Arts Education
A community organization or individual that has worked diligently to educate and/or advocate for the arts and expand the reach and impact of arts education.
Domenica Donna Como
Owner and Art Instructor, Color Chips
Arts Education Advocate Leader
An outstanding art leader that supports and advocates for educational arts programming in their community.
Jeremy Martin
Supervisor of Visual, Performing and Industrial Arts, Long Branch Public Schools
Outstanding Educator in Visual Arts
An educator in a Monmouth County program (either a public or private school) who inspires young students each day through their dedication to the arts and educating our emerging artists.
Brittany James
Art Instructor, Inspired Minds Fine Arts School and art629 Gallery
Outstanding Educator in Performing Arts
An educator in a Monmouth County program (either a public or private school) who inspires young students each day through their dedication to the arts and educating our emerging artists.
Dr. Michael Penna, Ph.D.
Theater and English Teacher, Collier High School
MC² Scholarship for the Performing Arts
Sponsored by MC² Funding the Arts
Amya Johnson-Ashe
Monmouth Regional High School
Grunin Foundation Scholarship for the Arts
Sponsored by the Grunin Foundation
Emma Ekberg
Communications High School
50th Anniversary Emerging Artist Scholarship for Literary Arts
Sponsored by Sarah Fischell
Dakim Randolph
Asbury Park High School
Click here to read more about the Emerging Artist Scholarship recipients.
PAST HONOREES
2021 HONOREES
Community Arts Education Organization
Middletown Arts Center
Arts Organization Leaders
John Dias, Michael Hurst, & Kate Cordaro, Two River Theater
Community Champion of the Arts
Dr. Ryan Brandau, Monmouth Civic Chorus
Arts Education Advocate
Norma Tolliver, Main Ave Galleria
Outstanding Educators in Visual Art and Performing Arts
Jill Alexander, Wall High School
Cindy Dwyer, Mater Dei Prep
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2019 HONOREES
Community Arts Education Organization
Two River Theater
Arts Organization Leader
Bruce Gallipani, Rockit Live! Foundation
Community Champion of the Arts
Nicholas & Shayne Mishoe, Company of Dance Arts
Arts Education Advocate
Heather Brown Cadalzo, Inspired Minds Fine Art School
Outstanding Educators in Visual and Performing Arts
Kate Okeson, Rumson-Fair Haven High Regional High School
Benjamin Ringer, New Jersey State Youth Orchestra
2018 HONOREES
Community Arts Education Organization
Jennifer Chauhan & Allison Tevald, Project Write Now
Arts Organization Leader
Mark Hyczko, Freehold Downtown Concert Series
Community Champion of the Arts
Michelle Burrell, Asbury Park Technical Academy of Dance
Arts Education Advocate
July Nagy, Algonquin Arts Theatre
Outstanding Educators in Visual and Performing Arts
Tonya Lee, Art Instructor, Monmouth University
Eric Gross, Music Educator, Freehold High School
2016 HONOREES
Community Arts Education Organization
Belmar Arts Center
Arts Organization Leader
David Levy & Leslie Backlund, Co-Presidents, Guild of Creative Art
Community Champion of the Arts
Sarah Hilton, Arts Educator, Oasis
Arts Education Advocate
Richard McKenna, Senior Vice President of Sales, Hatteras
Outstanding Educators in Visual and Performing Arts
Judy Raybon, Visual Arts Educator, Collier Youth Services
Gerald Romano, Director of Bands, Monmouth Regional High School