2021 Arty Awards: Announcing the Honorees
ArtsConnect is so excited to announce the 2021 Arty Award Honorees. The honorees we are celebrating this year are superstars in the Topeka art world. They have persevered and reimagined their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, built a legacy of artistic excellence in Topeka and encouraged us all to think outside the box. Congratulations!
DRUM ROLL, PLEASE.....
2020 Liz Stratton Arts Champion: Kyler Carpenter
Many years spent teaching, inspiring and setting the stage for kids of all ages in Topeka have made Kyler a household name for the young people of Topeka. During the week, Kyler works his magic at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and on Sundays in the summer, he makes sure that anyone who wants to get on stage has a chance during the Kids Jam events, now hosted at Doughboyz Pizzeria.
Community Arts Award: Topeka High School
As Topeka High School celebrates its 150th anniversary, this landmark institution is honored for serving as a proving ground for artistic talent across all disciplines and inspiring everyone with its majestic architectural significance and extensive collection of interior murals.
Literary Arts Award: Speak Easy Poets
Connecting artists to one another and offering a chance to interact with poets and writers at every level, Speak Easy Poets has become a stronghold of the Topeka literary scene.
Performing Arts Award: The Topeka Cello Collective
Under the brilliant direction of longtime Washburn University faculty Erinn Renyer, the Topeka Cello Collective represents an opportunity for cellists of all ages to experience a non-competitive performance environment and to experiment with performing nontraditional musical compositions.
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Robert Tapley Bustamante
Robert's ability to bring blank walls to life and lead others in pursuit of creating wild and wonderful works of public art is a benefit to us all. His career so far has included many community murals in which he was a valued team member as well as exhibitions in dozens of galleries nationally and regionally.
People’s Choice Award: Round Table Bookstore
Every great literary town needs a great local bookstore. Topeka's art lovers have voted and told us that they love being able to shop local, grab a coffee and find your newest favorite book at Round Table Bookstore.
EVENT DETAILS
Last year, we had to go virtual, but this year, we will be taking over Redbud Park in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District for one night only. We'll be honoring this year's awardees and you'll have a chance to spend the evening with arts lovers just like yourself.
Tickets are just $25 and will include drinks, entertainment and more - plus your ticket purchase supports the work that ArtsConnect does every single day to strengthen and support the arts all across Topeka. Everyone is invited and welcome to come to this event!
Beginning at 6p, ticket holders will be treated to music by a quartet of cellos thanks to the Topeka Cello Collective, presentation of the 2021 Arty Awards, food and drinks. Drinks from the bar will be complimentary and food will be available for purchase from The Burger Bus.
6p: Food, drinks & Topeka Cello Collective quartet performance
7p-8p: 2021 Arty Awards presentation
9p: Event ends
There will be limited seating available on site and guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs and/or blankets.
