Metro artists, including Grammy winner, honored by Kansas Governor
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - A handful of artists from around the Kansas City metro, including a Grammy Award winner, have been honored by the Kansas Governor for their significant achievements.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that she ed the Kansas Arts Commission to honor the recipients of the 2025 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center.
Gov. Kelly noted that the event focused on a celebration of remarkable individuals, organizations and communities for their contributions to and leadership in the advancement of the arts across the Sunflower State.
The Governor indicated that Grammy and Oscar Award-winning musician Melissa Etheridge was named as 2025′s honoree for the prestigious Governor’s award.
“There are many talented Kansans involved in creative work across our state, and we know that art enhances their lives and the lives of those around them,” Gov. Kelly said. “The people we recognized at the Governor’s Arts Awards tonight are using their talents and ions to strengthen communities all throughout Kansas and to enrich the culture of our great state.”
At the ceremony, Kelly said 17 individuals and organizations were honored for their work and efforts. Nominations for each award are reviewed and chosen by a selection committee each year; however, the recipient of the Governor’s Award is chosen by the governor herself.
“Governor Kelly and I have had the privilege of learning about and witnessing the dedication of artists, organizations, advocates, communities and creative businesses located across every region of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas arts and culture community plays a significant role in our growing economy by enriching the quality of place we call home. This impressive group of awardees is most deserving of the spotlight, and the state looks forward to see these inspiring leaders continue to enhance the cultural landscape of Kansas.”
The Governor noted that her 2025 recipient has inspired fnas worldwide for decades. Beyond Etheridge’s chart-topping records and moving live performances, the Leavenworth native is known as a tireless advocate of the Sunflower State.
“Across the nation and world, people are connecting with Etheridge’s music and can see how she truly embodies the Kansas values of hard work, self-reliance and kindness,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “She takes all the things that make Kansas great and shares them with the world — and she regularly brings it back home to benefit communities through her generosity and spirit.”
This year’s categories and recipients are as follows:
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Kiki Bush, Gypsum
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Music: Bob McWilliams, Lawrence
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Visual Arts: Shin-hee Chin, Mherson
- Arts Advocacy: Brenda Meder, Hays
- Arts Patron of the Year: Paul Dorrell, Roeland Park
- Excellence in Arts Education: Tyler Dallis, Pratt
- Excellence in the Arts in Business: The Artificers, Fort Scott
- Emerging Arts Leader of the Year: Lacey Connell, Overland Park
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: LV Arts, Leavenworth
- Rural Arts Community of the Year: Clay Center
- Urban Arts Community of the Year: NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, Topeka
- Arts Leader of the Year: Katy Guthrie, Garden City
- Arts Organization of the Year: Theatre in the Park, Overland Park
- Arts Legacy Award: Constance “Connie” Bonfy, Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: Cecil Riney, Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: NedRa Bonds, Kansas City
- The Governor’s Award: Melissa Etheridge, Leavenworth
For more information about the Kansas Arts Commission, click HERE.
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