Mayor Stephanie Terry will be in attendance to present the Mayor’s Art Award to Mr. Scott Wylie, recognizing his far-reaching contributions to the arts in our community. Wylie currently serves as Secretary for the Indiana Arts Commission. Through his work with other Arts Commissioners, he supports local arts institutions and programs across the state.

According to his nomination, his background in nonprofit leadership has positioned him to meaningfully influence arts policy, funding and community engagement. With a demonstrated commitment to public service and the arts, he helps connect the arts culture of the Evansville region with the Indiana Arts Commission’s mission to strengthen Indiana through creativity and cultural investment.

“For decades, Scott has made vital contributions to the arts in our community,” said Heather Kelsey, COO, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library. “This year, Scott was influential in bringing an Indiana Arts Commission meeting back to Evansville and IAC Region 10 after more than a decade of absence. The presence of IAC staff allowed for new connections to be made that will further enhance and revitalize the local arts community.”

In addition, the Young Artist Award will be presented to Signature School senior Will Berg. This award is given to a student in the region who has demonstrated a portfolio of exceptional work.

Winners in six additional categories will be named from among these finalists:

Art Educator Award

• Bob-Bea Graves, visual art teacher at Fairlawn Elementary School
• Leanne Hampton, UE/EPO Music Consortium Faculty
• Katelyn Kaiser, artistic director at Bosse High School

Project Award

• Soul Writer’s Guild
• Darin Harger – Fuchsia Collective
• Evansville Philharmonic’s New Traditions Series

Culinary Art Award

• Maria Marton, Urban Seeds
• Vegan Eats & Treats (VEATS)

Literary Art Award

• Mary Jo Huff
• James MacLeod
• Linda Reising

Visual Art Award

• Cole Cartwright
• Drew Cooper
• Amy Elsner

Performing Art Award

• Evansville Shakespeare Players
• Sydney Judd
• Children’s Theatre of Southern Indiana

Each winner or finalist will receive two tickets to In The Stacks.

“The Regional Art Awards celebrate the creativity and dedication that make Evansville a vibrant community,” said Mayor Stephanie Terry. “I’m proud to recognize Scott Wylie and all of this year’s award recipients and finalists for their contributions to the arts in our community.”

Additional event sponsors of In The Stacks include Ms. Sheila Huff, CYPRESS, and Mr. Neal Franklin.

In The Stacks will also feature a one-night-only art exhibit, musical performances, and a silent auction featuring the arts. Hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets, and gift bags are also included for ticket holders, and many sponsorships include tickets to the event. Ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities are available at evpl.org/inthestacks.

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The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization established to support EVPL, and serves as the Region 10 Arts Partner of the Indiana Arts Commission. Foundation Board Members are engaged and activated community members. Working in partnership with Library Leadership and Library Trustees, Foundation Board Members support EVPL through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy. More information about the Foundation is available at evpl.org/foundation.

 Funded by the EVPL Foundation, The Arts at EVPL supports and encourages art experiences in four areas: Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Culinary Arts. More information is available at evpl.org/arts or by emailing arts@evpl.org.