Arthur Williams Award for Meritorious Service to the Arts
The award is named after the Council’s founding executive director, Arthur Williams. In addition to his critical work at the Arts Council, Williams’ long career included public school teaching, serving in the Vermont Legislature, and chairing the effort to restore the Vermont State House. The award is given to those who mirror his selfless public service and devotion to artistic excellence as one vital ingredient in a robust community as well as his desire to see the arts thrive.
Criteria
Selected by the staff of the Vermont Arts Council, this award is given to a person or organization for meritorious service to the arts in Vermont, according to the following criteria:
- is living and currently resides Vermont
- has a local or statewide reputation in their chosen field as evidenced by third-party acclaim or reviews from independent sources
- has significant standing in a Vermont community
Recipients
2023
Matthew Perry, co-founder and executive director of the Vermont Arts Exchange
2022
Judy Dow, executive director of Gedakina, teaching artist, award video
2021
Lydia Clemmons, co-founder and president of Clemmons Family Farm, award video
2020
Shanta Lee Gander, writer, photographer, award video
2019
Douglas Anderson, artistic director, Town Hall Theater in Middlebury
2018
Judith Chalmer, author, retired director VSA Arts in Burlington
2017
Gregory Sharrow, folklorist at Vermont Folklife Center
2016
Stephen Rice, music educator
2015
Gary Eckhart, president of Valley Arts Foundation in Waitsfield | video
2014
Jody Fried, executive director of Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury
2013
Bruce Bouchard, executive director of the Paramount Theatre in Rutland
Carol Driscoll, executive director of the Carving Studio in Rutland
2012
Connecticut River Artisan Group
Vermont Crafts Council
2011
Steve Ames, executive director at River Arts in Morrisville
Submit a Nomination
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. For information about how to submit a nomination, click here.