Summit Artspace to Host 2025 Arts Alive Awards at House Three Thirty
Since 2002, the Arts Alive Awards have recognized gifted artists, talented arts educators, and change-making advocates who bring the arts to life and shape our community’s culture.
Summit Artspace invites you to attend the Arts Alive Awards benefit reception celebrating honorees in 14 categories on May 21, 2025, from 6-8:30 p.m. at House Three Thirty (532 W Market St, Akron). Tickets can be purchased on Summit Artspace’s website. Donations at every level are welcome and support Summit Artspace’s mission to help artists thrive professionally, creatively, and financially. The in-person event celebrating the 2025 recipients and benefiting Summit Artspace includes music and entertainment, and a special program honoring the 2025 recipients. Heavy appetizers, desserts, and signature cocktails will be served.
Those who cannot attend in person may register for the 30-minute pre-recorded Virtual Ceremony Broadcast.
The following Arts Alive award recipients were selected for 2025:
- Arts Alive Award: ArtsNow
- Lifetime Achievement: Walter K. Delbridge
- Summit Artspace Champion: Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board
- Arts Educator: Charles Beneke
- Arts Patron: Meg Stanton
- Collaborative Project: Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza
- Emerging Artist: Asia Armour
- Artist Empowerment: Dr. Sarah Spinner
- Outstanding Artist in Dance: Megan L. Gargano
- Outstanding Artist in Theatre: Francine Parr
- Outstanding Artist in Music: Tracey Thomas
- Outstanding Visual Artist: John Sokol
- Outstanding Literary Artist: Michael Gill
- Rising Arts Leader: Destyni Green
More information about the recipients, the awards, and the selection criteria can be found on the Summit Artspace Arts Alive Awards 2025 website page.
“The Summit Artspace Arts Alive Awards serve as a celebration of the tremendous community of artists, entrepreneurs, arts supporters, mentors and organizations that make the greater Akron area such a special place to live,” notes Kristen Nervo Dowey, president of Summit Artspace’s Board of Directors. “To every person who took the time to nominate a person or organization, every nominee, and finally, to each winner; thank you; you are making an impact. Please join us for a night that celebrates the significant contributions of our local artists, professionals and organizations.”
The Arts Alive Awards are made possible by Summit Artspace’s generous sponsors: Summit County, Brennan Family Foundation, OneKey Virtual Care/FirstLight Home Care, Summit County Land Bank, Young & Associates, Brio Performance Solutions, Bonvie LLC, Roetzel, Drs. Mark & Sandy Auburn, Brenda & Brian Cummins, The University of Akron, and The Summit FM.
For more information about the 2025 Arts Alive Awards, contact Executive Director Heather Meeker (heather@summitartspace.org).
