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About the Governor's Arts Awards

Since 1975, the Governor's Arts Awards has recognized hundreds of individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to impact the arts in communities and schools. The awards are presented every two years by the Governor of Oklahoma during a special ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Nominations are accepted during a published nominations period. Awards are determined by a selection committee comprised of members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council board. Receive updates about the Governor's Arts Awards.

See a list of previous honorees
View photos of the event

46th Oklahoma Governor's Arts Awards

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Fourth-Floor Rotunda
Oklahoma State Capitol

Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell will join the Oklahoma Arts Council on Tuesday, January 20, at the Oklahoma State Capitol to recognize 21 individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts in the arts. The 46th Oklahoma Governor's Arts Awards will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the fourth-floor rotunda. The public is invited to join in the celebration of this year's honorees, who will be presented awards in various categories:

The Governor's Award
Jean Ann Fausser (Tulsa)
Glenna and Richard Tanenbaum (Oklahoma City)

Business in the Arts Award
Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma (Edmond)
The Springer Company (Oklahoma City)

Arts in Education Award
Brenda Alexander (Woodward)
Jennifer Baker (Norman)
Lisa Coulter (Tishomingo)
Vicki Gelona (Ardmore)
Mariana Llanos (Oklahoma City)
Susan Mueller (Bartlesville)

Community Service Award
John Bedford (Norman)
Hal French (Edmond)
Brian Horton (Broken Arrow)
Lauren Green (Bartlesville)
ShIronbutterfly Ray (Muskogee)
Jabee Williams (Oklahoma City)

Media in the Arts Award
Jim Johnson, KGOU Radio (Norman)
Abbie de Vera, KOTV – News on 6 (Tulsa)

George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award
Tim Gatz, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Transportation (El Reno)

Special Recognition Award
Oklahoma Music Educators Association (Statewide)
The Questers Cimarron Chapter 1195 (Edmond)

Receive updates about the Governor's Arts Awards.

How to Submit a Nomination

Nominations require a narrative (equal to about a two- to three-page typewritten document) that details the nominee's efforts related to criteria listed below. In addition to the narrative, up to three pages of optional support materials will be accepted. Support materials are optional but encouraged and can include news clippings, letters of recommendation, and other items that demonstrate the nominee's impact. Audio and video materials are not be accepted.

The nomination period ended October 15, 2025. Honorees were announced in December 2025.

Eligibility

Governor's Arts Awards nominees must be current, full-time Oklahoma residents or organizations that work in and for the benefit of Oklahoma. Awards are not given posthumously. Previous recipients of The Governor's Award are not eligible (see list). Nominations for arts organizations, employees of arts organizations, or educators should reflect activity beyond normal expectations or responsibilities.

Criteria

Use the criteria listed below as a guide for writing the nomination narrative. Address the criteria that is relevant to the nominee’s efforts. Nominations may not need to address all criteria.

• What is the nominee's history of involvement in the arts, and how has that involvement impacted communities and/or schools?

• If the nominee is employed in the arts, how have they gone above and beyond their normal responsibilities to have a compelling impact?

• Do more Oklahomans have access to the arts as a result of the nominee?

• What major initiatives has the nominee led?

• Has the nominee helped to increase funding and resources for the arts?

• Do Oklahomans have greater opportunities for arts education as a result of the nominee?

• Has the nominee advanced public awareness of the arts?

Categories

The Selection Committee reserves the right to honor a recipient in a category of its choice. 

• The Governor's Award - Recognizes individuals for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts across Oklahoma.

• Arts in Education Award - Recognizes an individual, organization, school, educator or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education.

• Business in the Arts Award - Recognizes businesses/corporations who exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma.

• Community Service Award - Recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.

• Media in the Arts Award - Recognizes an individual member in the media who demonstrates commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness support and fairness, initiative, creativity and professionalism in reporting.

• George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award - Recognizes an Oklahoma government official for outstanding support of the arts.

Previous Honorees

Since the first Governor's Arts Awards in 1975, hundreds of individuals and organizations from across Oklahoma have been recognized for their efforts in the arts. See the list.

Accessibility

The following are made available during the Governor's Arts Awards ceremony:

• Large print programs
• Reserved seating for guests who have hearing impairments
• A sign-language interpreter
• Reserved seating for guests in wheelchairs
• Wheelchairs may be available (please contact us in advance to inquire)

If you plan to attend the Governor's Arts Awards ceremony and have needs related to accessibility not listed above, please contact us at (405) 521-2931 or okarts@arts.ok.gov. It is the goal of the Oklahoma Arts Council staff to meet the needs of all our constituents who wish to attend the Governor's Arts Awards.

Questions?
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