Your donation to Monmouth Arts supports artists and programs across Monmouth County. Help us enrich lives through music, theater, and visual arts — donate today. DONATE For 55 years, Monmouth Arts has provided arts programs and services that support the practice, presence, and influence of the arts and of artists throughout Monmouth County. We are a catalyst for creativity, using the arts to uplift and connect our community. We know that the arts change lives because we see it every day. The arts matter — and so does your support. Your donation helps us deliver creative experiences that educate, heal, and inspire. Thank you for empowering us to make arts access a reality for everyone in our community. GIVE HOPE. GIVE ART. DONATE ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SUPPORT

The Monmouth Arts Education Awards is a distinguished annual event held to honor and acknowledge the power of arts education in Monmouth County. Join us in celebrating the 2026 Arts Education Awards honorees! Each year, we open applications for community members to nominate arts educators and champions who embody what it means to enhance, teach, and advocate for arts education in Monmouth County. The Arts Education Awards is a distinguished annual event held by Monmouth Arts to honor and acknowledge the power of arts education in our community. 2026 Arts Education Awards Honorees Photo from left to right: Louise Millmann, Roy Gussman, Meaghan McDavitt, Lisa Bagwell, Maggie Fischer, Arts Director at the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center Community Champion of Arts Education Award (Individual) Louise Millmann Louise has been teaching photography and Advanced Placement experimental digital design classes for the past thirty four years in both the Northport and Jericho school districts on Long Island. She received a four-year full tuition photography scholarship to the School of Visual Arts in NYC where she received her BFA in photography then completed her MFA during her teaching career. She has taught specialized classes in mixed media digital photography at the New School, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum and Museum of Modern Art. After retirement from public school, she moved full time to Bradley Beach and began teaching Gelli Plate and collage classes at ArtSpace by Monmouth Arts, the Asbury Art Club, Over the Moon Art Studios and the Belmar Art Council . Louise is looking forward to offering evening classes at The Jersey Shore Art Center. Her photographic self portrait collages have been exhibited with Joseph Cornell’s boxes at the Zeiher-Smith Gallery in NYC and she has been actively involved with the multi- national exhibition entitled “A BOOK ABOUT DEATH”. The exhibition was launched as an underground, global art project, at the Emily Harvey Foundation Gallery in New York City. Her collage works featured in A Book About Death are currently in the permanent collections of MOMA, Queens Museum and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. She currently resides in Bradley Beach with her husband David Mulkins. Community Champion of Arts Education Award (Organization) Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center The LBACC envisions a community where creativity flourishes and art serves as a unifying force. We aim to be a dynamic hub for local, emerging, and professional artists, offering a space where diverse voices and talents are celebrated. Through art, we connect, inspire, and enhance the cultural identify of our evolving community. Outstanding Educator in Visual Arts Lisa Bagwell I am a self-taught artist and have been working with recycled materials for over 20 years hoping to spark curiosity and raise awareness of the waste we create in our lives and its persistence in the environment. I collect many objects for my work while picking up trash out on Sandy Hook while other materials are collected from my own use and that of about 10 people that save things for me. I keep my collections organized and sorted and imagine how to use them in a sculpture that suits my sensibilities and works for the shape of the object I’m using. Sculptures range from tiny bottlecap pins to large outdoor installations; repeating themes are marine life, birds, cats, cakes and sandwiches. I find that I like to employ humor and lightheartedness to address the heaviness I feel regarding the environment crisis. I regularly show in and around NJ, PA and NY at galleries, festivals and work with environmental organizations and schools whenever possible to spread the word of anti-consumerism through creative arts. I’ve been building gardens (kill your lawn) and sculptures since 2004 and love creating with unwanted items. I find great joy in building giant brush piles that decompose, and though it is daunting, take pride in managing a popular community compost site. In both my day job and art, I take neglected things, be it a plastic bag, a vacant lot or rotting vegetables and try to build something inspiring. I live in Red Bank and currently manage Kula Farm in Asbury Park. Give me a follow Instagram: @lisa.bagwell Or check out my website LisaBagwell.com! Outstanding Educator in Performing Arts Roy Gussman , Music Director Emeritus, Monmouth Symphony Orchestra Roy Gussman is one of the area's most accomplished conductors, and he has been Music Director of the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra since 1991. Whether he's conducting classical, Broadway, or popular music, Roy communicates his love of music in a unique and exciting way to musicians and audiences alike. A graduate of Jersey City State College and the New England Conservatory of Music, where he was a conducting student of Richard Pittmann and a clarinet student of Joe Allard, Roy is also conductor of the New Jersey State Senior Youth Orchestra (since 2002), and he served as a trustee of the Monmouth Conservatory of Music. In addition to conducting, he is an active freelance clarinetist, and has been the principal clarinetist with the Orchestra of Saint Peter by the Sea since 1987. He has also been very active as a chamber musician, performing with the Red Bank Chamber Music Society and many other chamber music groups throughout the tri-state area. In addition, he is a much sought-after adjudicator for festivals and arts groups throughout the state. Outstanding Educator in Literary Arts Meaghan McDavitt , Red Bank Regional High School Meaghan McDavitt is the teacher of the Creative Writing Major at Red Bank Regional High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy. She also teaches the Creative Writing Elective, Playwriting/Screenwriting Elective, and IB Theory of Knowledge, as well as being the advisor for The Buccaneer student newspaper. Her creative short fiction and poetry have appeared in Heavy Feather Review, New Note, Poet’s Choice, and Cicada Song Press. She has previously received awards for teaching writing from the Scholastic Writing Awards and Frank Pallone's Congressional Recognition. She lives with her husband and three children in Freehold. 2026 Emerging Artist Scholarship Program Each year, Monmouth Arts presents young art students with college scholarships through our Emerging Artist Scholarship Program. This year the program awards $1000 scholarships to three deserving Monmouth County high school seniors who are committed to pursuing the arts in higher education. Learn more here . PAST HONOREES 2025 ARTS EDUCATION LEGACY AWARD Lynn Reich, Former Monmouth Arts Board President and Art Educator COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF ARTS EDUCATION (INDIVIDUAL) John McEwen, New Jersey Theatre Alliance Outstanding Educators in Visual Art, Literary Art and Performing Arts Frank Mainieri, Long Branch High School Christine DeMarisco, Asbury Park High School John Lebitsch, Forrestdale Middle School 2024 COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF ARTS EDUCATION (ORGANIZATION) Robyn Schindler, Paint the Stars Art Therapy COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF ARTS EDUCATION (INDIVIDUAL) Sam Giustiniani, Count Basie Center for the Arts Outstanding Educators in Visual Art, Literary Art and Performing Arts Anthony Greco, Rumson Country Day School, Marlboro High School & Count Basie Center for the Arts Jessica Merrigan, Henry Hudson Regional School Mary Dansereau, Neptune High School 2023 Community Arts Education Organization Axelrod Performing Arts Center Arts Organization Advocate Leader Kelly Barratt, Center for the Arts at Monmouth University Outstanding Educators in Visual Art and Performing Arts Scott Napolitano, Howell High School Lawrence Edwards, Shore Regional High School & Monmouth University 2022 Community Arts Education Organization Domenica Donna Como, Color Chips Arts Organization Advocate Leader Jeremy Martin, Long Branch Public Schools Outstanding Educators in Visual Art and Performing Arts Brittany James, Inspired Minds Fine Arts School and art629 Gallery Dr. Michael Penna, Ph.D., Collier High School 2021 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 2019 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 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 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

The Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit examined the theme of Reinvention and its relation to art, creativity, community, and our professional and personal journeys. MEMBER EXHIBITS: DIGITAL GALLERY REINVENTION Suzanne Anan Friendship's Kiss oil on mixed media 22"H x18"W Not for Sale Lisa Bagwell The Future of Water 5"H x 5"W x 7"D $300 Marilyn Baldi Novice #2 photography 16"H x 20"W $395 Susan Boser Sweet Song charcoal, graphite, inks and acrylic on canvas 30"H x 24"W $400 Sheilagh Casey Phoenix 3 (Scenes from the life of the phoenix) oil on panel 12"H x 12"W $500 Joan Cichalski Attitude watercolor and pen 14"H x 11"W $425 Domenica Donna Como Pears and Squares watercolor painting on arches paper 20"H x 15"W Not for Sale John De Poortere Farmer and Shepherd mixed media painting 10"H x 8"W $375 John De Poortere Mavka mixed media painting 8”H x11”W $375 Justin DeMattico Railroad acrylic on canvas 24"H x 24"W $500 Kate Eggleston A Day Without Treif is a Day Without Sunshine textiles 4”H x 3”W x 2"D $500 Kate Eggleston No Thread Required silkscreen on watercolor paper 12"H x 9"W $180 Shari Epstein New York City collage painting on canvas including navigational chart and found objects 24"H x 36"W Not for Sale Sarah Fishbein OUT OF TIME glass mosaic 60"H x 24.5"W x 1"D $7500 Gwynneth Green Big Bad Wolf photography 12”H X 8”W $200 Mary Gretsky Rough Waters graphite and charcoal, 18”H x 24”W Not for Sale Richard Huff Hiding photography 18”H x 24”W $475 Brittany James Untamed oil and gold leaf on canvas 24"H x 30"W $3,000 Eleanor James All I Need acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 12"H x 12"W x 1.3"D $400 Annette Juliano Starry Night Over The Rhône oil 24"H x 36"W x 3/4" D $2000 Lea Lumière All That’s Yet to Live 2022 video film art Not for Sale Marie Maber Monday Flowers 24"H x 12"W x 1"D $225 Frankie Mainieri Table Legs oil 42"H x 30"W Not for Sale Ellen Martin Yellow Maelstrom acrylic on canvas 14"H x 11"W x 1/2"D $150 Brad Marullo Statue of Liberty watercolor 12”H x 16”W Not for Sale

Monmouth Arts has been chosen for a second year to serve as a regranting agency for COVID Artist Relief Grants from the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund (NJACRF). A total of $24,000 in grants will be awarded to provide direct financial relief to Monmouth County artists and teaching artists to assist with living or career needs due to the loss of income caused by the pandemic. 2023 TEACHING ARTIST RELIEF GRANTS Monmouth Arts has been chosen for a third year to serve as a regranting agency for relief grants from the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund (NJACRF) of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. A total of $20,000 in grants will be awarded to assist Monmouth County teaching artists with living or career needs such as housing, childcare, groceries, and utilities. Grants will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need, available funding, and equitable distribution of funds relating to racial/ethnic diversity, geography, and arts disciplines. Grants will be provided to teaching artists across all disciplines (dance, music, folk art, theater, visual arts, film, poetry, literary arts, etc.). Please note that the guidelines and application are also available in Spanish. APPLICATION IS CLOSED Spanish Guidelines & Application Grant Request: $1,000 to $2,000 Grant Timeline: Application Open: Thursday, September 21, 2023 Application deadline: Monday, November 6, 2023 by 4:00pm Notification: On or before November 17, 2023 To be eligible for the Monmouth Arts 2023 Teaching Artist Relief Grant, you must be: A practicing teaching artist who has experience relevant to art education 21 years of age or older A resident of Monmouth County Working in the United States for the last two years Not related to a Monmouth Arts Board or staff member Able to provide a social security number Able to demonstrate previous income from arts education Priority will be given to teaching artists who: Identify as BIPOC and/or serve BIPOC populations Integrate resiliency, healing, and social-emotional learning in their work Serve populations that have less exposure to arts programming Respond to timely and important issues through their arts programming Serve vulnerable and underserved populations Monmouth Arts promotes equity and inclusion and encourages all eligible individuals to participate in this opportunity. Applicants who require assistance services may contact Connie Isbell at connie@monmoutharts.org or call (732) 212-1890 ext. 101. Application Information The application must be completed on Submittable, Monmouth Arts’ grant portal. Please read the guidelines carefully and follow the link to Submittable. Applicants who are not yet registered with Submittable may sign up for a free account. The guidelines and application are available in Spanish on our website and can be submitted according to the directions included in that document. The application for this competitive grant must be completed in its entirety. You will be asked to provide your contact information, reply to the narrative prompts, and confirm your eligibility for the program. You must verify your Monmouth County residency by providing a current driver’s license or other forms of a valid ID. Monmouth Arts is not responsible for the lateness of any submission. Submission Submission of the application indicates that you have completed all required fields in the online application form but does not guarantee eligibility or that all guideline requirements have been met. Eligible applicants may submit only one application for this opportunity from Monmouth Arts. Review Process All applications will be reviewed against the listed criteria for eligibility by Monmouth Arts staff. Once eligibility has been confirmed, a grant panel will review applications and make award recommendations. Recommendations will be approved by the Monmouth Arts Board of Trustees. Assistance Virtual open office hours for questions will be held Thursday, October 5th from 1:00-2:00 pm via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85369366748). Additional technical assistance is available upon request by contacting Connie Isbell at connie@monmoutharts.org or (732) 212-1890 ext. 101.

We encourage you to support our ART CHANGES LIVES Appeal by donating to help sustain and expand Monmouth Arts’ vital programs and services. 2025 ANNUAL APPEAL HOW AN ART PROGRAM IS IN MONMOUTH COUNTY CHANGING LIVES MAKE A DONATION Monmouth County faces significant mental health challenges in both its senior and youth populations, with issues such as social isolation among seniors and high rates of youth substance abuse and suicide. The county often sees rates higher than state or national averages in specific metrics like substance abuse treatment admissions. One in five people lives with a mental illness, yet too many struggle in silence due to stigma and limited access to care. Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions Arts and Wellness Program was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to serve youth in underserved communities dealing with stress and anxiety caused by the virus. The program has since expanded to support seniors, families, and other adults in need experiencing stress, grief, anxiety, or loneliness. By pairing teaching artists with mental health professionals, the program brings free, hands-on arts workshops directly to schools, senior centers, and community organizations. Through creative projects and guided support, participants explore emotions, reflect on experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with joy, demonstrating how the arts can foster healing, hope, and community. Program Manager Devan Brash, a lifelong dancer with a master’s degree in arts administration, describes the program simply: “We show up with everything—the art supplies, the mental health professional, the teaching artist.” By removing barriers such as cost, transportation, and limited access to materials, Creative Expressions ensures that art and its proven mental health benefits are accessible to those who need them most. Since the pandemic, nearly 3,000 participants across Monmouth County, including the YMCA of the Jersey Shore, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, Earle Naval Base, senior centers, and residents of HABcore in Red Bank and Asbury Park, have participated in the program. Youth have gained confidence and coping skills; seniors have found renewed connection; and all participants discovered healing through the arts. But that’s not all, Monmouth Arts brings the arts to every corner of our community: supporting young artists through the Monmouth Arts Teen Arts Festival and Emerging Arts Scholarships, expanding cultural programming initiatives, and continuing to bring free arts programming and services to underserved communities throughout the County. We believe deeply in the power of the arts, and we know you do too. Will you help us continue to inspire and uplift the arts for everyone in Monmouth County by making a meaningful contribution? MAKE A DONATION With your support, you will help shape a stronger, more vibrant community through the arts. THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! Jennifer Anderson Marilyn Baldi Alice Berman Allison Bowie Vicky and Duncan Culver Gretchen and Anthony DiCesare Marianne and Robert Ficarra Christopher and Mary Foard Margean Gladysz Philip Green Sharon Harrington Hagen Hottman Jill Kerwick Vladimir Kirson Irene Korfes Susan and Rebecca Metz Pamela Smith Michael Matthews Richard and Wendy Murphy Barbara Nelson Richard Parness and Laurie Londoner Mathew Philpin Donald and Patricia Pignataro Carla Powers Barbara Przelomski and Colette Caswell Maggie Purcell Michelle and JohnRath Joan Rechnitz Lynn Reich Dr. Steven Ross Barbara Sabaitis David Siegel Carol Sills Michael and Linda Standley Carol Stout and Randall Gabrielan Burt Conrad Szerlip Karen Waller Matt Wieczkowski Louis Rodriguez and Rukhsana Yousaf

Opportunities and resources for artists in grants, exhibition space, and more. PROGRAMS ARTHELPS GRANTS Apply for an ArtHelps Local Arts Program grant. Learn more ➔ ARTIST GRANTS Learn more ➔ Apply for a Teaching Artist Grant. Learn more ➔ SENIOR ART SHOW View the artwork of Monmouth County senior artists. CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS Learn more about Creative Expressions Arts & Wellness Program. Learn more ➔ CREATIVE AGING Learn more about our Creative Aging Program, with the goal of bringing the transformative power of the arts to our senior community. Learn more ➔ Learn more ➔ CALL FOR ENTRIES Interested in exhibiting your artwork with Monmouth Arts? Check out this page for our current Call for Entries!

Monmouth Arts' Artful Experience series shines a spotlight on the community's boundless creativity and innovation. All are invited to participate. ARTFUL EXPERIENCE WORKSHOPS Monmouth Arts' Artful Experience workshops shines a spotlight on the community's boundless creativity and innovation. Our workshop events are held at Monmouth Arts' event space (ArtSpace) on Monmouth Street in Red Bank. All are invited to participate. Featured | Up Next 21 days to the event Creating Sea Glass Art: An Artful Experience Wed, Jun 17 ArtSpace All materials provided | Beginner friendly Learn more PYSANKY : UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 12-3:30 PM Location: ArtSpace 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank Tickets: $50 (Members) $55 (Non-Members) Interested in becoming a member? Learn more here . TICKETS Discover the art and meaning behind pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian craft of wax-resist egg decorating. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn cultural history, symbolism, and step-by-step techniques led by the Ukrainian National Women's League of America. All materials are provided, and participants will leave with beautifully decorated eggs and a deeper appreciation for this vibrant art form. Suitable for all skill levels — beginners welcome! Ages 16+ Wet Felted Flower Workshop with Zhanna Telelyukhina Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 5:30PM Location: ArtSpace 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank Tickets: $40 (Members) $45 (Non-Members) Interested in becoming a member? Learn more here . TICKETS Welcome spring by creating a colorful felted flower brooch using the wet felting technique, led by fiber artist Zhanna Telelyukhina. In this hands-on workshop, participants will layer soft wool fibers and use soap and water to shape them into a sculptural, one-of-a-kind bloom. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Leave with a handmade flower that captures the beauty of spring and never fades. Click here to visit Zhanna's instagram page to learn more about the process and art of needle felting. Upcoming Events Creating Sea Glass Art: An Artful Experience Wed, Jun 17 ArtSpace More info Learn more Did you know? Funds raised from Artful Experiences allow us to continue offering free, high-quality community events and outreach programs. SPONSOR OUR ARTFUL EXPERIENCES By sponsoring this fundraising event series or a singular event, supporters will not only receive fantastic exposure through our ever-growing social channels and e-mails reaching our community, but also tickets for your employees, clients, and/or yourself! Interested or have any questions our sponsorship levels? Contact Teresa Staub at Teresa@monmoutharts.org or 732.212.1890 x 100 PAST EVENTS

Each year, Monmouth Arts awards $1000 scholarships to three deserving Monmouth County high school seniors who are committed to pursuing the arts in higher education. Since 1971, Monmouth Arts has been committed to celebrating youth in the arts. Celebrating young artists and their work is necessary to inspire the next generation of artists in our world. As a community of artists and arts supporters, Monmouth Arts continues to invest in our young artists and their education. Each year, Monmouth Arts presents young art students with college scholarships through our Emerging Artist Scholarship Program. This year the program awards $1000 scholarships to three deserving Monmouth County high school seniors who are committed to pursuing the arts in higher education. 2026 Scholarship Recipients Emerging Artist for Performing Arts Joshua-Zander Lopes, Howell High School Joshua-Zander Lopes is currently a Senior at Howell High School and in the FPAC Acting program. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in two fall plays and four spring musicals at Howell High School. He began performing in Elementary School and has been featured in numerous television shows and movies, including Unbreakable Kimmy Schimidt on Netflix, Manifest on Netflix, Bull on CBS, Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV, and Sweethearts on HBO Max. He is also a student at Actors Playground School of Theatre in Freehold, NJ. His volunteer activities include camp counseling for children with disabilities and participating in the local Memorial Day Parade. Joshua-Zander will be attending The University of Tampa to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre this upcoming fall. Victoria J. Sony Memorial Scholarship for the Arts Patrick Powers, Raritan High School My name is Patrick Powers, I will be attending FIT in the fall and my major is Interior Design. I love Van Gogh, and I am very skillful at oil painting. Typically, I like to depict realistic portraits and still lifes. I can proudly say I have taken all three AP Art portfolio exams: Drawing, 2D, and 3D. Emerging Artist for Literary Arts Samantha Chiaino, Middletown High School South Samantha Marie Chiaino lives in Middletown, New Jersey, with her parents and younger brother. In August, she self-published a poetry chapter book titled On The Escape. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Iowa, majoring in English and Creative Writing. PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Victoria J. Snoy Memorial Scholarship for the Arts Sponsored by Friends of Victoria J. Snoy Award Recipient Quincey Jones, Red Bank Regional High School Quincey began with his “early designs” by cutting out paper outfits and color coordinating them together. As his passion for fashion grew, he was enrolled in the Karen School of Fashion in Marlboro, NJ, at the age of 10. He has designed numerous pieces, including refactored wedding dresses, evening gowns, and couture-inspired suit sets, which have earned him the Fashion Designer of the Year awards for 2023 and 2024 at the Karen School of Fashion's annual fashion show. As he concludes his education at Red Bank Regional High School, Quincey plans to take the next step by attending LIM College in the fall. Quincey’s goal is to build a career that merges both artistry and strategy, whether in fashion marketing, brand development, or trend forecasting. He wants to shape the industry by introducing fresh, innovative ideas, staying ahead of trends, and promoting a more sustainable and inclusive fashion approach. Emerging Artist for the Performing Arts Sponsored by Margean Gladysz Award Recipient Hayden Bercy, Howell High School Hayden is currently a Senior in the acting program in the Freehold Performing Arts Center at Howell High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in three fall plays and three spring musicals. He began performing at the age of eight in community theater in Monmouth County. Hayden has appeared in numerous professional theater productions, including Radio City Christmas Spectacular, A Christmas Story National Tour, The King and I National Tour, and Lost in Yonkers at the Hartford Stage. He has also appeared on several TV shows and commercials. Notable vocal performances include the US Open and the National Anthem at BlueClaws Stadium. His volunteer activities include work with the Ronald McDonald House and Souls4Soles. Hayden will be attending Indiana University to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater this fall. Emerging Scholarship for Literary Arts Sponsored by Sarah Fischell Award Recipient Chloe Scardino, Wall High School Chloe Scardino is a teen writer with a love for creating and sharing stories. She enjoys writing poetry and fiction that combines the wonder of fantasy with the beauty of the human experience. Chloe will be attending Cornell University in the fall as a prospective English major. She is the President of the National Art Honor Society and the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Sewing Club. Chloe is also a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, where she placed second in the Digital Cinema Competition. She has been a JV and Varsity tennis player at Wall High School. Her school activities include writing for the literary magazine, participating in the drama club, and the Dungeons and Dragons club. Chloe attended the Bard College at Simon’s Rock writing program in July 2024, and in the Spring of 2025, she completed her mentorship with Project Write Now under the guidance of Lisa Hartsgrove. Chloe has enthusiastically participated in the Monmouth Arts Teen Arts Festival during her time at CHS, both in writing and visual arts. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending her time drawing, with friends, or outdoors. Maria Guerrero MC² Scholarship for the Performing Arts Maria is a vocal major in Red Bank Regional High School’s Visual & Performing Arts Academy. She has spent four years as an active member of the school community and an honor roll student. Her dedication to music, in addition to her overall academic achievements, has allowed her to be a member of RBR’s chapter of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. She performs with the RBR Concert and Chamber Choirs, RBR Theatre Company, and is part of the RBR Stage Technology group, where she obtained experience working offstage in scene design and sound. Outside of RBR, Maria has performed in multiple community theater productions with companies such as Phoenix Productions, Spring Lake Theatre, Villagers Theatre, Algonquin Arts and Howell PAL Theater Company. Maria looks forward to studying theater performance and directing in college where she will also continue her vocal study. Amanda McMillan Emerging Scholarship for Literary Arts Sponsored by Sarah Fischell Amanda is currently a high school senior at Henry Hudson Regional. She is a part of her school's literary arts program, band program, and is a member of the Varsity Bowling Team. Amanda will be attending Montclair State University this fall with an intent to double major in Physics/Astronomy and Creative Writing. Amanda currently has multiple poems published in different poetry books and she plans on publishing more in the future. She is a lover of all things art and plans to involve her love of space and writing into a fulfilling and meaningful career in the future. Amanda is deeply grateful for her friends, family, and teachers that have continuously supported and facilitated her passion for the literary arts. Olatomi Gabriel Victoria J. Snoy Memorial Scholarship for the Arts Sponsored by friends of Victoria J. Snoy Olatomi is a senior currently attending Freehold Township High School. Art has always played a huge role in his life but more recently, art has served as a connector between himself and his Nigerian heritage. For a long time, Olatomi had felt a rift within himself and his culture that caused him to feel insecure within it. Creating art has served as his rebuilder, as it’s strengthened his love for the intricacies of his Nigerian heritage. It has excited a creative path in which Olatomi aims to highlight the beauty of his culture in future projects. As of right now, Olatomi is currently deciding between the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University in which he intends to major in Design. William Blake MC² Scholarship for the Performing Arts William is a senior at Red Bank Regional High School, plans to study Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Audio Engineering at the University of Miami this Fall. He will also have a Minor in Music. William has been a musician all his life and intends to remain engaged in all aspects of the industry. Music is, by far, the thing he enjoys the most; playing the piano, as well as the alto saxophone, and he spends most of his free time either practicing, listening to, or creating his own music. Ryan Sickles Scholarship for Literary Arts Sponsored by Sarah Fischell Ryan is a senior at Red Bank Regional High School, has been a member of RBR’s Creative Writing Academy for four years. His talent in writing is fueled by his love of language and allows him to explore unique discussions on topics that range from controversial to deeply meaningful to hysterical. He plans to study Writing for the Stage at Marymount Manhattan College and continue his stand-up comedy career. Ashley Soriano Victoria J. Snoy Memorial Scholarship for the Arts Ashley is a senior at Long Branch High School, grew a passion for social justice and mutual aid work throughout her time in school. She believes using her personal grief in her art can showcase the struggles of marginalized communities to bring awareness and spark change. Ashley will attend New York University this fall as a Studio Arts major, studying at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Samantha Yannarelli Monmouth Arts Young Musical Artist Scholarship Samantha is a senior at Saint John Vianney High School will attend Berklee College of Music as a Commercial Voice-Songwriting/ Composition Major in the fall. Throughout high school, Sam performed and starred in every drama and musical. In 2022 she won a Basie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical. She is also a singer/songwriter who released her first self-produced EP and two singles recorded at Dug Deep Production. Amya Johnson-Ashe MC² Scholarship for the Performing Arts Amya Johnson-Ashe is currently a senior at Monmouth Regional High School. She will be studying political science and music at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. In 2022 Amya won the Special Evaluation award from Count Basie Center for the Arts for her role as Audrey 11 in Little Shop of Horrors. Her passion for singing has enabled her to compete in the McDonald's Gospelfest at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, for three seasons, performing on stage for thousands of people including notable singers Donnie McClurkin, Cissy Houston, and Fantasia. Emma Ekberg Grunin Foundation Scholarship for the Arts Emma Ekberg is a graduating senior at Communications High School. She is attending the Fashion Institute of Technology for Fashion Design this fall. Emma hopes to make positive changes in the fashion industry, including more inclusive body representation and sizing in both garment production and modeling, as well as addressing the environmental impact of the trend cycles and fast fashion. Dakim Randolph 50th Anniversary Emerging Artist Scholarship for Literary Arts Dakim Randolph is a senior at Asbury Park High School. He will be pursuing a career in Creative Writing and Journalism at Brookdale Community College and Seton Hall upon graduating this spring. Dakim is an active member of his school community. In addition to being a talented writer, he is also on the track team and a member of the National Honors Society and Student Council. He hopes to discover the world by expressing his thoughts through writing. Anna Zimmer Jay & Linda Grunin Scholarship for the Arts Anna Zimmer is a senior currently attending Communications High School under the instruction of visual arts teacher Shelley Ortner. She plans on attending Stevens Institute of Technology this fall, majoring in Visual Art & Technology. In that vein, she aspires to design more immersive art experiences through interactive technology. Liam Umbs MC² Scholarship for Performing & Literary Arts Liam Umbs, of Monmouth Beach, NJ, is a senior at Communications High School. He has studied piano for fourteen years and is a student of Marina Strakovsky. Besides piano, Liam enjoys serving as Editor-in-Chief of his school’s newspaper. This fall, he will attend the University of Pennsylvania to study Music. Aisa Feratovic MC² Scholarship for Performing & Literary Arts Aisa Feratovic is a graduating senior at Long Branch High School. Her theatre teacher is Mr. Moore, who she says “has had an everlasting impact on my performance.” She will be attending Drexel University in the fall with a major in Entertainment and Arts Management, and a minor in theatre. Jillian Tracy Jay & Linda Grunin Scholarship for Visual Arts Jillian Tracy is currently a senior at Communications High School, taught by visual arts teacher Shelley Ortner. While at Rochester Institute of Technology this fall, she aims to merge intuitive visual design and technology to create dynamic user experiences, majoring in New Media Interactive Development. Maxwell Connery MC² Scholarship for Performing & Literary Arts Maxwell Connery is a senior at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional HS, and in the Fall will be attending NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music as a Songwriter Entrepreneur. A multi-instrumentalist, trained in classical, jazz and contemporary styles, Maxwell is the singer-songwriter of 2018 Asbury Music Award winners “Sonic Blume.” Recently named one of the “Top NJ Bands to Hear in 2019” by NJ Star-Ledger, their second album “Beach Karma,” was also named one of the “Top NJ Records of 2018. Sebrina Gao Jay & Linda Grunin Scholarship for Visual Arts Sebrina Gao is a 17-year old senior at Communications High School. Sebrina has been the recipient of many regional and national awards, and is a student of Shelley Ortner. She aims to pursue a career the entertainment industry and one day, create visual development art for animated films. She will be attending the ArtCenter College of Design - Pasadena, CA in the Fall of this year. Elena Yasin MC² Scholarship for Performing & Literary Arts Elena Yasin is a member of both the Dance Team and Dance Academy at Matawan Regional High School under the direction of Julie McKurth. She has been training for 14 years through various programs including the Senior Ensemble at Peridance Capezio Center in Manhattan, and the Monmouth County Arts High School dance program. She plans to continue exploring the capacity of her physical and artistic abilities in expressivemovement at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in the fall. Andrew Wang Jay & Linda Grunin Scholarship for Visual Arts Andrew Wang is a student artist who enjoys using a variety of media and techniques in order to create pieces with an illustrative feel. Andy currently attends Communications High School, and studies under his visual arts teacher Shelley Ortner. He will attend the Rhode Island School of Design this fall.

Meet the Monmouth Arts team dedicated to connecting our community to the arts. Meet the Staff Executive Director Teresa Staub Mail teresa@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 x 100 Membership & Community Engagement Director Connie Isbell Mail connie@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 x 101 Arts Education Manager Devan Brash Mail devan@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 x 102 Finance Manager Angela Geller Mail finance@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 x 104 Marketing Manager Debra Maricic Mail debra@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 x 103 Marketing & Events Manager Maitte Avila Mail maitte@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 Creative Expressions Arts & Wellness Associate Amanda Harvey Mail amanda@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890 Development & Marketing Coordinator Alyssa Calderone Mail alyssa@monmoutharts.org Phone 732.212.1890

On Thursday, October 29, Monmouth Arts will transform The Asbury Hotel and the Asbury Lanes into a vibrant world of color, creativity, and high-energy celebration, where art, music, and imagination come together in funkadelic style. Bring on the Funk: Where the Arts Get Down Thursday, October 29, 2026 5:30 PM “Get Up Offa That Thing” VIP Cocktail Party the Asbury Hotel 7:00 PM Funkadelic Dinner Celebration Asbury Lanes Attire: Funky Chic - Sequins Encouraged Guests will step into a full-throttle funk experience with immersive projections, bold visuals, and grooves that keep the energy high all night long. Inspired by the iconic sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, Kool & the Gang, and Chaka Khan, the evening celebrates the vibrant rhythms, infectious grooves, and dance-floor energy that defined funk music. The night features a lineup of funky surprises, including a show-stopping James Brown impersonator bringing the Godfather of Soul to life. Beyond the music and spectacle, the evening celebrates the power of the arts to bring people together and energize the creative community. PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING Join Monmouth Arts for an unforgettable evening of bold visuals, soulful music, and funkadelic celebration at The Asbury Hotel and Asbury Lanes. Your sponsorship supports arts programming that brings creativity and community together all year long. Click for sponsorship opportunities Click for ad journal opportunities 2025 HONOREES Check out our Honoree video featuring Darlene Love, Knowledge Bennett, Ansell Grimm & Aaron P.C., Val Emmich, and Eileen Chapman. Discover how these renowned honorees champion the importance of the arts in Monmouth County. Special thanks to Nuculture for bringing this video to life. Thank You to our Sponsors!