FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Artists and those who help facilitate arts and culture in our community were honored Wednesday night at the Arts United Awards.
The recipients of the 2025 Arts United Awards are outstanding people, organizations, and projects making significant contributions to communities in Northeast Indiana through arts and culture.
Arts United released the following:
Volunteer of the Year Michael Greene Michael Greene has been a dedicated docent for the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for well over a decade. His enthusiasm and love of art are evident in the way he inspires young visitors, from squirmy second graders to silent teens, to find a piece of themselves in the art on the wall. He inspires other docents to share his philosophy and passion for inviting new faces to develop a love for art and creativity.
David Fenstermacher Using leadership and organization development skills gained through decades of business success, David Fenstermacher has supported the sustainability and success of the Fort Wayne Dance Collective through particularly challenging times. Beyond his role as board president, he dedicates long hours to supporting the Collective by attending staff meetings, planning events, and fundraising.
Emerging Artist of the Year
Maria Tan Maria
has studied the cello since age 5 and has established herself as a local freelance musician. Her summer studies have included Interlochen, the Fry Street Chamber Music Quartet Festival, and the Lamont Summer Academy at the University of Denver. Among her various accomplishments, Maria has performed in top leadership positions ranging from third chair to principal across the sections of her school, Indiana All-State, and Indiana Junior All-State cello sections.
Distinguished Artist of the Year
Kaylan Buteyn Kaylan
has spent the last 7 years facilitating community for artists in many forms, including creating exhibition opportunities for artists worldwide, facilitating virtual programming, hosting in-person artist retreats, and founding the Artist/Mother Podcast, which shares interviews of working artists who are mothers. Kaylan’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions and in various print publications.
Outstanding Artistic Endeavor
Straw Bale Art Trail
Local artists transformed more than 5 0 straw bales into the Straw Bale Art Trail, a collection of dozens of creative artworks displayed throughout Shipshewana and Middlebury. The event involved collaborations between farmers, artists, and businesses, drawing visitors from near and far to enjoy the art, explore local shops, and experience the area’s autumn charm. This project offered a free and fun experience for people of all ages.
Margaret Ann Keegan Award for Arts Education
Seth Green
An Associate Professor of Ceramics at Purdue Fort Wayne, Seth goes above and beyond as an artist and educator. He co-founded the Indiana Clay Conference to engage and connect the clay community in the state. As advisor to the Ceramics Club, he supports a group of dedicated students seeking extra experience and opportunities to further their craft. This includes coordinating museum trips, hosting pottery sales, and helping plan the annual Empty Bowls event, which raises funds for the club and the PFW free food pantry. Countless students have benefited from his mentorship and guidance. Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented to Alan Grinsfelder and Eleanor Marine. Em Organ was presented with the Mayor’s Arts Award.
To learn more about the 2025 Arts United Awards and view a full list of nominees for other categories, CLICK HERE
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