Arts community gearing up for Tribute of the Muses

This 17th annual Tribute of the Muses is set for Oct. 13th and 13 sets of nominees are competing in the biggest night of the year for the Yuma Art Center and the local arts community.

The Tributes of the Muses ceremony celebrates an outstanding member in the arts community who shows devotion and excellence in the arts.

Winners range among artists, performers, educators, advocates, patrons and the like.

Six additional nominees also battle for the 8th annual Helios Award, earned by the top newcomer in the arts community.

Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony, starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13th at the Historic Yuma Theatre, beside the art center at 254 S. Main St.

The evening will be presented in the theme of Enchanted Forest. F ormal attire is encouraged. Admission to the ceremony is free.

The ceremony will include a keynote address by Mayor Doug Nicholls and will feature entertainment by Dawn’s Dance Studio, Dancing with the Yuma Stars, Yuma Civic Orchestra, concert pianist Caryl James Thompson and spoken-word performer Isaac Russell.

The recipient of the Tribute of the Muses Award will be honored with a custom art award created by local artist Denise Vaughn.

The commissioned award is entitled “Candle on the Water” and was selected by the Ad-Hoc Public Art Committee from a competitive application and proposal process.

Following the awards ceremony, the reception, a ticketed $20 donation going toward local arts programming, will take place at the Yuma Art Center. It will feature live music by Yuma Jazz Company, libations and a silent art auction which raises funds to support arts programs.

Tribute of the Muses and Helios honorees are nominated by the public and are selected by the City of Yuma’s Parks, Recreation Commission and Ad Hoc Public Art Committee.

This year’s Tribute of the Muses Award Nominees

Ty Cook

Kimberly Dickerson

Beth Donahue

Myriah Farrar

Mark Flint

Jim and Desiree Foster

Steven Hennig

Joanne Kidd

Lia Littlewood and Isaac Russell

Zarmineh Moody

Lynn Morgan

Lori Stofft and Michael Miller

George Tomkins

This year’s Helios Award Nominees

Nathan Downing

Jason Irr

Stefanie Littlewood

Michelle Greco

Cari Jean Nelson

Emma Stewart