By MATT PIKE
The St. Joseph Allied Arts Council brought the community together and let creativity take center stage for the council's Annual Meeting along with the 35th Annual Mayor's Awards for the Arts ceremony.
The celebration at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art recognized artists, educators, volunteers, organizations and community leaders whose work helps make St. Joseph and northwest Missouri stronger through the arts. Shaun Agnew and Wyatt Wuerfele performed “Out There,” while Jackson Connors and Elena Leonard performed “Someday” from Robidoux Resident Theatre’s recent production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame during the ceremony.
After St. Joseph Mayor Larry Miller addressed guests and recognized the important role the arts play in shaping the community’s identity and future, the awards were presented. Recipients of the 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts are.
- Artist of the Year: Eric Fuson
- Arts Educator of the Year: Molly Ring
- Youth Artist: Macormick Carlson
- Organizational Achievement in the Arts: Commerce Bank
- Individual Leadership: Nancy Schmidt-Brunson
- Outstanding Volunteers: Jeremy Glenn and Christina Hazelwood
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