Medal of Arts

The Medal of Arts award, first presented in 1993, is given annually in a rotating list of categories: artist, author, drama and theater, music as well as patron of the arts. It recognizes people who have contributed to the cultural life of the area in one of those categories.

Medal of Arts Recipients:

  • 2024: Amy Buchs and David Schlemmer, Art

  • 2023: Craig Berndt, Writer (Historic Research)

  • 2022: John Chalmers - Drama (Theatre)

  • 2020/2021: Priscilla Creaven; Deb Argast;  Sirleine Smith; Kathie Swaim-
    Combined due to Covid Pandemic - Patrons were honored w/ memorial concert

  • 2019: Kim Randinelli, Music

  • 2018: Lina M. Zerkle, Art

  • 2017: Kent & Shelley R. Johnson, Drama (Theater)

  • 2016: Fran R. & Don T. Mefford, Patrons

  • 2015: Thomas Laverghetta, Music

  • 2014: Barbara Morrow, Writer

  • 2013: Nina Bennett, Artist

  • 2012: City of Auburn, Patron

  • 2011: Jed Freels, Drama

  • 2010: Marilyn Minard, Music

  • 2009: Jane Kempf, Writer

  • 2008: Mark Ober and Mable Bevington, Art

  • 2007: Tri Kappa Chapters, Patron

  • 2006: F. & B. Buekers, Music

  • 2005: Dave Kurtz, Writer

  • 2004: Millie Hansen and Imogene Mavis, Music

  • 2003: Mary Thiel, Art

  • 2002: Tim Albert, Drama

  • 2001: Helen Pickering, Patron

  • 2000: Hubert Stackhouse, Writer

  • 1999: John D. Smith, Music

  • 1998: Brian Baker, Art

  • 1997: Judy Waanders, Patron

  • 1996: John Wilson, Drama

  • 1995: Richard Norris, Music

  • 1994: John Martin Smith, Writer

  • 1993: Jeanne Gehring, Artist