Hamilton County Reporter
On Sept. 18, Nickel Plate Arts will hold its seventh anniversary gala with the fourth edition of the Nickel Plate Arts Awards to celebrate the area’s burgeoning arts scene and recognize some of the most valuable artists and arts advocates. The gala will happen at the Mill Top Banquet and Conference Center and feature dinner by Jacquie’s Catering, wine from Mr. G’s liquors, live music, hands-on arts experiences and a live auction during Nickel Plate Arts’ premiere fundraiser of the year.
Aili McGill, executive director for Nickel Plate Arts, emphasizes the importance of the upcoming anniversary gala to Nickel Plate Arts’ ongoing success.
“This year’s gala is critical to Nickel Plate’s overall financial health, and also allows us to share the stories of how the members of our creative community are improving the quality of life within and promoting economic development throughout the Nickel Plate region,” McGill said.
More specifically, McGill says, “This year’s gala will allow us to raise funds for our next big project, which is our proposed ‘Artist Academy,’ a highly-cultivated series of classes, workshops, and other resources developed in conjunction with partners throughout our network to offer artists of all experience levels important professional development and growth opportunities.”
Nickel Plate Arts’ goal is to raise funds to develop these classes and offer them to artists affordably.
McGill is eager to honor each of the nominees. “This year, we recognize 22 individuals who are actively engaged in strengthening the arts community.”
Jamie Follis was named Arts Educator of the Year at the 2018 Nickel Plate Arts Awards Gala. (File photo)
Here are the nominees for the 2019 Nickel Plate Arts Awards:
Emerging Artist of the Year
- Krista Darrow
- Robert Adams IV
- Gloria Merrell
Artist of the Year
- Leslie Ober
- Geoff Davis
- Michael Janosky
- Kerry Ruschhaupt
Arts Educator of the Year
- Sue Payne, Conner Prairie and Hamilton County Artists’ Association
- Deanna Leonard, Caravan Classes
- Conner Prairie
- Ed Gedeon, Comics & Cartooning Class Instructor
Arts Champion of the Year
- Fishers Arts Council
- Bonnie Ramirez, Our Town Cicero Third Thursdays
- Jill Lehman, High Frequency Arts
- Brian Short, Prizm the Artist’s Supply Store
- Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy
- Meredith Ziegenhagel, Ziegenhagel Wagner Group
Public Art Project of the Year
- Thompson Thrift, Fishers District development mural project
- Intuitive Health & Riverview Health, sculpture project at new Fishers location
- Riverview Health, sculpture project at new Infusion Center in Noblesville
- Noble Coffee & Tea Company – Indoor bird mini-murals in Noblesville
- Boaz Construction – Meadows Design Complex renovation in Indianapolis
With continued support from patrons and engagement from local artists, Nickel Plate Arts believes its future is bright.
“Moving forward, we hope that everyone who experiences our community will participate in the creative economy in some fashion,” said McGill. “That can include buying handmade gifts, investing in an amazing piece of art, supporting local musicians or actors, taking a class, enjoying well-designed public art, or even creating their own art or handmade product! We are working every day to remove barriers and roadblocks so that every can experience art here every day!”
For ticketing information on Nickel Plate Arts’ seventh annual Anniversary Gala, visit nickelplatearts.org/gala.