The 2026 Regional Art Awards will be presented at In The Stacks, an evening of exclusive arts experiences hosted by the EVPL Foundation, on Friday, November 13, at EVPL Central.
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
- Leanne Hampton, UE/EPO Music Consortium Faculty
- Katelyn Kaiser, artistic director at Bosse High School
- Bob-Bea Graves, visual art teacher at Fairlawn Elementary 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
- Linda Reising
- Mary Jo Huff
- James MacLeod
Visual Art Award
- Cole Cartwright
- Amy Elsner
- Drew Cooper
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. 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 now.
