ArtsConnect to unveil Glenda Taylor portrait at Oct. 16 Arty Awards
ArtsConnect will place Topeka’s influential arts leaders at the center of its 2026 Arty Awards, planned for Friday, Oct. 16. The celebration is expected to include an official unveiling of a commissioned portrait of the late Glenda Taylor, namesake of the Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award.
Created by Topeka painter and muralist Zandra Sneed-Dawkins, Taylor’s portrait will debut during the Arty Awards at Stormont Vail Event Center’s Heritage Hall. Taylor was a celebrated ceramic artist and former professor and chair of the Washburn University Art Department. Sneed-Dawkins was the 2025 recipient of the Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award.
The portrait is part of ArtsConnect’s Untold Stories Project, an initiative designed to preserve and share the stories of people whose vision, work and leadership have shaped Topeka’s arts community. The portrait unveiling will be followed later this fall by the premiere of a locally produced documentary exploring Taylor’s life, artistic work, leadership and lasting impact on the community. Premiere details will be announced by ArtsConnect in coming weeks.
This year’s Arty Awards theme is “The Art of Being Human.” It asks guests to consider what creativity, empathy, and authentic connection through artistic expression mean, at a time when rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping how people work, communicate and create.
“The theme is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Sarah Fizell, ArtsConnect executive director. “The Art of Being Human reminds us not to lose sight of the experiences and relationships that give creativity its meaning. Technology can’t replace the human stories, courage and connection at the heart of art. Glenda Taylor’s legacy, and the dedicated work of this year’s honorees, shows us what is possible when artists use their humanity to strengthen a community.”
The annual Arty Awards are Topeka’s premier celebration of the arts and a key fundraiser supporting ArtsConnect’s work. The event recognizes artists, organizations, educators and advocates whose contributions make Topeka and Shawnee County more vibrant, creative and connected. Following are the 2026 Arty Awards honorees:
The Liz Stratton Arts Champion Award will be presented to Sunflower Music Festival for its longstanding commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality musical experiences accessible to the entire community.
The Community Arts Award will be presented to J’Quory Guest for using his talents as an artist, writer, educator and youth advocate to strengthen the fabric of our community and show the power of the arts to change lives.
The Suki Blakely Performing Arts Award will be presented to Compass Point, a live-music venue in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, for creating exceptional experiences that highlight local, regional and national talent.
The Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award will be presented to Stephanie Muñoz-O’Neil for visual work that reflects exceptional craftsmanship and a deep connection to place, memory and community.
The Literary Arts Award will be presented to Anamarie Davis-Wilkins, Topeka-based poet and author, for her commitment to using writing and poetry to foster connection, reflection and understanding.
The People’s Choice Award will be presented to Tonix & Tunes, a favorite Topeka destination for live music, comedy and dance.
“These honorees reflect the depth of Topeka’s creativity,” Fizell said. “Their work gives people places to gather, invites us to see our community from different perspectives, and helps ensure the arts remain accessible to everyone. We’re proud to recognize them.”
More information about the 2026 Arty Awards and ticket options, including a discounted rate for artists, are available at ArtsTopeka.org/arty-awards.
