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 awards and three Emerging Artist Scholarships while guests enjoy exciting student performances and light refreshments.

2022 Arts Education Awards Ceremony

Thursday, June 9th, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Monmouth Museum at Brookdale Community College

765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
(Follow signs for Parking Lot 1)

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.

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

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

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

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