1.BUSINESS CHAMPION FOR THE ARTS: Nominations in this category should demonstrate significant, regional or countywide support for the arts. Support can be in the form of grants, underwriting, major sponsorship, in-kind donations, and/or volunteer support. Businesses nominated should not only understand the benefits of the arts to creating vital communities, strengthening the local economies and education, but their contribution should significantly benefit the wider community. PAST Businesses Honored: Pear Tree Center / Cire Equity (2023), Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books (2022), Black Oak Coffee (2021), Willits Weekly (2020), Frankie's Pizza and Ice Cream (2019), The Green Room (2018), Headlands Cafe (2017), The Savings Bank of Mendocino County (2016), The Northcoast Brewing Company (2015), Arena Theatre (2014), John Chan Plumbing (2013), Gualala Arts Center (2012), Visit Mendocino County, Inc. Mendocino County Lodging Association (2011), Community Foundation of Mendocino County (2010), Harvest Market (2009), Ukiah Music Center (2008), The Willits Nickel & Dime (2007), KOZT FM (2006), Sea Ranch Properties (2005), The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (2004), Fetzer Vineyards (2003)

Which BUSINESS do you nominate in 2026 and why?

2.INDIVIDUAL CHAMPION FOR THE ARTS: Nominations in this category should demonstrate significant, regional or countywide support for the arts. Support can be in the form of grants, underwriting, major sponsorship, in-kind donations, and/or volunteerism. Individuals who are nominated should not only understand the contributions of the arts to creating vital communities, strengthening the local economies and education, but their contributions should significantly benefit the wider community. PAST Individuals Honored: Jess Thompson (2023), Yoli Rose (2022), Larry R. Wagner (2021), Gary Martin (2020), Don Willis (2019), David "Sus" Susalla (2018), Janet Self (2017), Debbie Bowles/Fat Quail Quilt Shop (2016), Mary Ann Villwock (2015), Spencer Brewer (2014), Jill Schmuckley (2013),Van Phillips (2012), Pattie DeMatteo (2011), Katie Gibbs (2010), Helen Klembeck (2009), Jay Gordon (2008), Robert Rhoades (2007), David Hance (2006), Creek and Kitty Norris (2005), Skip and Barbara Newell (2004), Jean Slonecker (2003)

Which 2026 INDIVIDUAL do you nominate and why?

3.ARTIST: Nominations in this category should demonstrate artistic excellence in their chosen discipline (visual arts, crafts, music, dance, literature, poetry, performance – all arts disciplines should be considered). In addition nominees in this category should demonstrate a commitment to strengthening their community by using their artistic accomplishments to benefit the wider community. PAST Artists Honored: Solange Roberdeau (2023), Nick Schwartz of Cider Creek Collective (2022), Corine Pearce (2021), Lauren Sinnott (2020), Jaye Allen Moscariello (2019), Cathleen Micheaels (2018), Adele Pruitt (2017), Elliott Little (2016), Ginny Rorby (2015), Judy Geer Linney (2014), Bryan Arnold (2013), Laura Fogg (2012), Elizabeth Raybee (2011), Juvenal Vasquez (2010), Ann Maglinte (2009), Kevin Wells (2008), John Fisher (2007), Blake More (2006), Mac and Kate Magruder (2005), Mildred Norseen Pinkham (2004), Walter Green (2003)

Which 2026 ARTIST do you nominate and why?

4.EDUCATION: Nominations in this category can be individuals, organizations or schools for creating exemplary art education programs, that enhance learning through the development of best practices in art education and/or create an environment for outstanding achievement through the arts. PAST Educators Honored: Doug Browe (2023), Molly Dwyer (2022), Blake More (2021), Judy Stavely (2020), Kevin Wells (2019), Gary Martin (2018), Trudy McCreanor (2017), Pavlos Mayakis (2016),The Pacific Community Charter School (2015), Lech Slocinski (2014), Tom Johnsen (2013), Carolyn Bakewell (2012), Carolyn Carpenter (2011), Kathleen Kirkpatrick (2010), Dana Gray Elementary School (2009), Mendocino Coast Writers Conference / College of the Redwoods (2008), Tree of Life Charter School (2007), Mendocino County Office of Education (2006), Mendocino Unified School Enrichment or MUSE (2005), Art Explorers (2004), Willits Charter School (2003)

Which 2026 EDUCATOR or SCHOOL do you nominate and why?

5.NEW CATEGORY
Arts Organization: Nominations in this category must be a non-profit organization dedicated just to the presentation or implementation of the arts. The organization should not only understand the contributions of the arts to creating vital communities, strengthening the local economies and education, but their contributions should significantly benefit the wider community. An Arts Organization Award can only be given once to each organization. PAST Organizations Honored: Deep Valley Arts Collective / MEDIUM Gallery (2022), Gualala Arts (2021), Art Center Ukiah (2020, Willits Center for the Arts (2018), SPACE (2016), Friends of the Round Valley Public Library (2015)

Which 2026 ARTS ORGANIZATION do you nominate and why?

6.Honorable Mentions can also be made for significant accomplishments. Honorable mentions can be awarded for significant accomplishments for past awardees. The reason I am nominating this Honorable Mention is:

7.What is your name?

8.What is your phone number?

9.At what email address would you like to be contacted if your nominations are selected for recognition?