Master of Performing Arts
- 2015Phil “Armonico” Trujillo
- 2016Kali Palmer
- 2017Bonnie Simcox
- 2019Andy Bergy and Kelly Van Oosbree
- 2021Chris Romero
- 2022Julie Trujillo
- 2023Brighton Music Choir and Orchestra
- 2024Platte Valley Players
Brighton Cultural Arts Connection · Since 2015
Excellence in Arts
Celebrating Brighton’s creative champions.
The Excellence in Arts Awards recognize individuals and groups whose creativity, dedication, and service enrich Brighton’s cultural arts community.
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Honoring local talent
Why we celebrate
A community shaped by creativity
Established in 2015, these awards shine a light on the artists, performers, writers, educators, volunteers, and community supporters who help the arts thrive in Brighton, Colorado.
An enduring legacy
Past award recipients
Explore recipients in each award category, from the program’s beginnings through the 2024 honors documented in the current archive.
Master of Fine Arts
- 2015Main Street Creatives
- 2016Kathy Wardle
- 2017Kim Shaklee
- 2019Judee Dickinson
- 2022Sheri Farabaugh
- 2023Jan Hepp-Struck
- 2024Sharon Krohn
Beyond Brighton
- 2015Kat McCusker
- 2016Benna Harris
- 2017Ed Hawkins
- 2019Jerry Jaramillo
- 2021Dolly Garcia
- 2022Jamie Zerr-Lockwood
- 2023Kathy and Ed Hansen
- 2024Kary Mayes
Master of Cultural Arts in Education
- 2015Jane Archuleta
- 2016Linda Bau
- 2017Alexander Lisman
- 2019Nicole Moots
- 2021Sydney Vander Wal
- 2022Paula Atkins
- 2023Judd Farmer
- 2024Leslie Zirker
Visionary
- 2015Mark Humbert and Allison Lockwood
- 2016Ron Ames
- 2017Lisa Garbett
- 2019Helen Rodriguez
- 2021Wilma Rose
- 2022Gary Wardle
- 2023Sue Corbett
- 2024Gary Montoya
Outstanding Volunteer
- 2019Sandie Mackenzie
- 2021Stephanie Brown
- 2022Natalie Beck
- 2023MJ McCafferty
- 2024Lindy Olson
Master of Literary Arts
- 2021Jo Pinto
- 2022Rhonda Blackhurst
- 2023Elena Guerrero Townsend
- 2024Robin Kring
Art in the Community
- 2015Laurie Maier
- 2016Sherry Chance
Honoree spotlight
Meet some of the 2024 honorees
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Master of Fine Arts
Sharon Krohn
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Beyond Brighton
Kary Mayes
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Master of Cultural Arts in Education
Leslie Zirker
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Master of Performing Arts
Platte Valley Players
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Master of Literary Arts
Robin Kring
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Visionary
Gary Montoya
Moments worth celebrating
Excellence in Arts photo gallery
A look at the performances, recognition, and community spirit that make the awards meaningful. Select any photo to see the original image.
