Arts Awards Celebration -- "Celebrating those who celebrate the arts!"

Thanks to all who attended the 2025 Awards Ceremony. Watch here for the 2026 dates!

Ames Community Arts Council celebrates those who celebrate the arts!

The Ames Community Arts Council hosted its annual Arts Awards Celebration at Reiman Gardens (1407 University Blvd.) on Sun., May 18 at 1:30 p.m. The public was invited to join the Arts Council in honoring those who have supported and encouraged the arts through their extraordinary actions and exemplary service to the Ames community.
The following awards were given:

• Aaron Lott, nominated by Katharine Hensley, is this year's Art Educator award recipient. A dedicated and inspiring music teacher, Aaron embodies the ideal arts educator—warm, inclusive, and encouraging, yet committed to excellence. Through Lott Music Studio, where he teaches piano, accompaniment, and voice, he cultivates an environment where students thrive and return eagerly week after week. His unwavering dedication to fostering a love of music and nurturing individual growth makes him a truly deserving honoree.
• Stephani Scherbart, nominated by the Iowa State University Department of Music and Theatre, is this year’s Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer. A dedicated and invaluable contributor to several of Ames’s music organizations, she skillfully stage-manages events for the Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, and ISU’s Music and Theatre Department Musicale. Beyond her backstage expertise, she provides insightful program notes for Ames Town & Gown and serves as secretary of the ISU Music and Theatre Department Advisory Committee. Stephani's tireless support makes her a true treasure and a deserving recipient of this honor.
• It is an honor to recognize Tascha Hauber, nominated by the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association, as the 2025 Distinguished Board Member. Tascha joined the Ames Town and Gown board in 2021 and now serves as their Vice President. While she supports the organization in numerous ways, her most conspicuous contribution has been as the primary organizer of the grand buffet reception that follows the concert portion of the Town & Gown Musicale, a fundraiser essential to the organization’s financial success. Her organizational skills and creativity have elevated this popular event to a level worthy of a professional catering business, and it’s a privilege to work with her each year to create an amazing evening.
• Melinda Jenkins-Moore, nominated by Kathrine Hensley, is this year’s Local Treasure, honored for her contributions to the Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe. A gifted teacher, choreographer, and performer, Melinda is a core member of the fusion belly dance group, which blends Middle Eastern styles with American techniques. For over two decades, Mirage has enriched Ames through classes and performances at events like the Octagon Arts Festival and Ames Pride Festival, fostering community engagement and inviting all to celebrate the joy of dance. Ames is fortunate to have Melinda and the dance troupe as a part of our community.
• The Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association celebrated its 75th anniversary this season, and it is an honor to present them with a Special Recognition award. Ames Town & Gown has enriched the quality of life in central Iowa by presenting world-famous musical ensembles as well as brilliant emerging artists, in intimate concert settings. Their commitment to sharing the artists’ enthusiasm for chamber music with people of all ages and needs through educational outreach activities has made the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association a pillar of the arts community.
• Ames Public Library, nominated by Kathy Svec, is an ideal nomination for the Arts in the Workplace award. Through its regular presentations of visual art exhibits, performing arts events, story times, and cultural lectures and festivals, the Ames Public Library serves as a vibrant hub for community enrichment. These always-free programs welcome people of all ages to explore, experience, and learn. By generously offering rent-free spaces and co-sponsoring events, the Library staff remove barriers for presenters, ensuring that enriching cultural experiences remain accessible to all. Our community thrives because of their commitment to fostering engagement and discovery.
• Nominated by fellow artist Valerie Williams, Linda Hardie, owner of Hardie Clay Studio, is this year’s recipient of the Veronika Ruedenberg Cultural Entrepreneur award. Linda, an artist and ceramicist, could have simply focused on her own craft, but instead, she built a welcoming space for the clay community. Her commitment to accessibility and education led her to create Hardie Clay Studio, offering classes for all skill levels, open studio days, and opportunities for advanced students to learn studio management. Constantly innovating, she has developed apps for scheduling and task management, ensuring her studio remains a hub for creativity and learning. Through her vision, Linda has filled a vital need for ceramics instruction and artistic community.
• Artist Maureen Burke submitted the nomination for Tammy Koolbeck to receive the Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy award. As Executive Director of Stephens Auditorium, Tammy has been a driving force behind the performing arts in Ames, enriching the community with diverse and engaging events. A steadfast advocate for artists, performing arts venues, and audiences across the region, Tammy embodies the spirit of arts advocacy. Her dedication and leadership make her the quintessential recipient of the Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy award.
• Finally, Ames icon Mel Crippen was nominated by Lynne Carey of KHOI Radio for the Lifetime Achievement award. For over 30 years, Mel has been a champion of the local arts community, promoting events through Mel’s Breakfast Club on the radio. When he initially retired, his absence was deeply felt—but soon, he returned, continuing his tradition of bringing arts and nonprofit organizations into the spotlight every Friday until the station’s closure. Mel’s platform became a vital resource for spreading the word about concerts, plays, musicals, art shows, workshops, and nonprofit initiatives throughout Ames. Mel’s warmth and generosity fostered a sense of community, creating a gathering of friends united by a shared love of Ames and its thriving arts scene. We are lucky to have the opportunity to honor him in this small but sincere way.

Light refreshments will be available. The Arts Awards Celebration, an annual event of the Ames Community Arts Council, is free and open to everyone. This event is supported in part by the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA).

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Betty Sailsbury, 2023 Cherished Volunteer

Lynne Carey, 2023 Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy, presented by Mary Richards

Sonja Johnson, accepting 2023 Board Member award for Chris Johnson

Sloss Center, 2023 Art in the Workplace

Leo Timms, 2023 Lemonade-from-Lemons for Senior Variety Show, presented by Ronnie Lindman

Laurie Hoifeldt, 2023 Local Treasure

Ellyn Grimm, accepting 2023 Cultural Entrepreneur award for Ames Writers Collective

Robert Thomas, 2023 Lifetime Achievement

You are invited to nominate one or more special individuals (or organizations/businesses) for their outstanding efforts in the Ames arts community this year! This is a wonderful way to recognize volunteers, board members, and others for their time and effort.

• The Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer Award is given to an individual who responds wholeheartedly to a variety of needs for an Ames art organization. This person does the mundane but important basic support work that allows the organization to function and does that work for the long-term
  
  Hazel Hammer was the consummate volunteer.  Her energies were devoted to the arts.  ACAC, Ames Choral Society, ACTORS and many more organizations, including the Unitarian Fellowship, were indebted to her.  If there was a job to be done Hazel would do it. Sometimes – often actually – it was the job no one else wanted to tackle.  She understood that it was doing the mundane chores that kept organizations operating and growing.  She firmly believed that involvement in the arts could change your life.  Hazel was soft-spoken and a little shy, but when it came to the arts, she could ask people to do things that needed to be done.​

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• The Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy Award is for that person who generates enthusiasm for Ames arts events by taking every opportunity to promote and encourage participation at any and all levels: as an audience member, as a performer or as a behind-the-scenes volunteer.
  
  Bill Pelz was one of Ames’ most enthusiastic arts advocates.  During his tenure as Mayor of Ames from 1974-1975, he hosted the first fund raising event for ACTORS to obtain its building on Abraham Drive.  As mayor, Bill created the Ames Community Arts Council.  Today there are six board members and six representatives of member organizations.  Originally this body acted as an advisory group to the city council for funding arts organizations with revenue sharing funds available from the federal government.  Then and now ACAC serves as a coordinating and advocacy organization for the arts in Ames ​

• The Distinguished Board Member Award celebrates a board member of an ACAC participating organization who fulfills his/her volunteer commitment with loyalty, inspiration and imagination. The award recognizes the essential role that board members play in the vitality of any organization.
• The Art in the Workplace Award recognizes a profit, non-profit or governmental organization in Ames that incorporates the arts into the work place in such a way that learning or appreciation by employees, patrons or customers is encouraged. This could include visual or performing arts, a program in the workplace, or support of events outside the work place.
•  The Lemonade-from-Lemons Creativity Award is given to an ACAC participating member or organization that met adversity with spunk and vigor or that responded to needs and demands in a particularly unique or creative way.
• The Local Treasure Award is a living, practicing artist or group of artists residing in Ames. These individuals or ensembles should demonstrate the highest quality of achievement in their field or form of artistic expression and should also have demonstrated a broad community impact through what they do.
• Art Educator Award is given to an educator in the greater Ames community who identifies, encourages, instructs, and promotes the arts (visual, dance, music, drama, and creative writing) in an exemplary manner.
• Veronika Ruedenberg Cultural Entrepreneur Award is meant for a community-minded pioneer who has shown the vision and courage to break ground for some new institution for the enrichment of Ames’ cultural life, creating something where there was nothing.
  
  Veronika Ruedenberg was an inspiration to many. She supported individual creative efforts in those who wanted to try something new, regardless of how unusual or difficult. She was open-minded and encouraged this in others. Her good intuition, her unflinching good will, her selfless enthusiasm and her confidence in other people, made her an effective cultural pioneer and the institutions she built up grew and prospered long after she was gone. She was living proof of the joy in the creative journey, rather than the safety of the bandwagon.

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• Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an artist or artists who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the arts in Ames by freely sharing their outstanding talents and making a significant impact in the community.​
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​ Note: The Selection Committee is composed of Arts Council Board members who reserve the right to make awards in those categories where adequate nominations have been received.

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2023 Awardees and Nominators - What an amazing crew!

2023 Audience at ACTORS

2023 Entertainment - The Pump Boys

Past Award Recipients*

Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer Award
Jean Eichmeier (2024)
Betty Sailsbury (2023)
Dennis Wendell (2022)
​Caroline Freese (2021)
Jim & Diane Patton (2020)​
​Ben Smith (2019)
​Barbara Schendel (2018)
​Tara Gartin (2017)
​Rae Reilly (2017)
Ruth Wiedemeier (2016)
Jodi Melcher (2015)
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Hazel Hammer Award for Community Support
Cinian Zheng-Durbin (2014)
Carroll & Fidella Marty (2013)
Margaret (Peg) Johnson (2012)
Dilys Morris (2011)
Karl Gwiasda (2010)
Jim Wilcox (2009)
Kathy Stevens (2008)
Stan Rabe (2007)
Roger Berger (2006)
Chris & Anna Christofferson (2005)
Dorothy Tschopp McGee (2004)
Marianne Chalstrom (2003)
Pam Schwab (2002)
Dan & Suzy Zaffarano (2001)
Anita Beal (2000)
Dennis Lindeman (1999)
Kathy Svec (1998)
Sylvia McCormick (1997)

Distinguished Board Member Award
William Dilla (2024)
​Chris Johnson (2023)
​Jim Popken (2022)
​Eric Weber (2021)
Kitty Fisher (2020)
Lynn McElrath (2019)
​Marilyn Johnson (2018)
Tom Mohr (2017)
​Laura Jordan (2016)
​Jane Kennedy-Funk (2015)
Tom Jackson (2014)
Ronell (Ronnie) Lindeman (2013)
Peggy Earnshaw (2012)
Lori Sulzberger (2011)
Dario Zaffarano (2010)
Troy Rutter (2009)
Leslie Kawaler (2008)
Lee Anne Willson (2007)
Skip Walter (2006)
Danny Faga (2005)
Willa Holger (2004)
Charles Cumming (posthumous, 2003)
Rue Ann Sams (2003)
Rollie & Willie Struss (2002)
Verne Bates (2001)
Peggy Earnshaw (2000)
Dottie Tschopp (1999)
Keith Wirtz (1998)
Marilee Mertins (1997)

Doug Brown Media Award
Ronna Faaborg (2021
​Carol Kisling (2014)
KHOI Community Radio (2013)
Mel Crippin (2012)
Mollie Cooney (2011)
Lauris Olson (2010)
Darryl Bennett (2009)
Karen Bryan (2008)
The Tribune (2007)
Art Scene (2006)
Iowa State Daily (2005)
Des Moines Register Ames Life and Times (2003)
Carole Horowitz (2002)
Jane Bullock (2001)
Rachel Jeffries (2000)
Mel Crippen (1999)
Ames Tribune (1998)
WOI Radio (1997)

Local Treasure Award
Norma Wolff (2024)
Laurie Hoifeldt (2023)
Rubin Ruiz (2022)
Michael Londra (2021)
Mary Richard (2020)
​Molly McDonald (2019)
​Sara Merritt (2018)
​Jonathan Sturm (2017)
Dallas Thies (2016)
​Paul Hertz (2015)
Clark Ford (2014)
Greg Lamont (2013)
Brad Dell (2012)
Ames Piano Quartet (2011)
Laverna Larson (2010)
Cay Peet (2009)
Richard Wood (2008)
James Okey (2007)
Mary Weisgram (2006)
Laurence Burkhalter (2005)
Paula Forrest (2004)
Mark Laycock (2003)
Homer Gartz (2003)
Jane Cox (2003)
Jean Thomas (2002)
M. Button Drexler (2002)
Annette Rowley (2001)
Valerie Williams (2000)
Jo Myers-Walker (1999)
Carmon Slater (1998)
Steve Hoifeldt (1997)

Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy Award
Sam Wormley (2024)
Lynne Carey (2023)
​Michael Golemo (2022)
Jennifer Drinkwater (2021)
Steve Bellin (2020)
Sara Compton (2019)
​Jennifer Knox (2018)
​Jim Coppoc (2017)
​Rhonda Scott (2016)
Mike and Myra Jackson (2015)
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Bill Pelz Spirit Award
Letitia Kenemer (2014)
Warren Madden (2013)
Lynn Lloyd (2012)
Dorothy Timmons (2011)
Laverna Larsen (2010)
Mike King (2009)
Linda & Bernie White (2008)
Tom Norris (posthumous, 2007)
Sandra McJimsey (2006)
Don DoBell (2005)
Beverly Wandling (posthumous, 2004)
Kathryn Andre (2003)
Dorothy Gugel (2002)
Chuck Jones (2001)
Susan Norris (2000)
Carole Horowitz (1999)
Betty Toman (1998)
Dee Hegstrom (1997)

Art in the Workplace Award
ISU Department of Economics: Peter Orazem and Patti Cotter (2024)
Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity (2023)
Green Hills Community (2021)
Northcrest Community (2019)
​Morning Bell Coffee Roasters (2018)
​Alluvial Brewing Company (2017)
Ames Chamber of Commerce (2016)
Sonya Stoltze-Newstrom / Stoltze & Stoltze Family Dentistry (2015)
Wheatsfield Cooperative (2014)
Ruthann O’Brien Hadish (2013)
Pat Brown (2012)
Don Wishart (2011)
Prairie Moon Winery (2010)
Lynette Pohlman (2009)
Reiman Gardens (2008)
Friedrich Iowa Realty (2007)
ISU Memorial Union (2006)
Cafe Diem (2005)
US Bank (2004)
Stomping Grounds (2003)
McFarland Clinic PC (2002)
Unitarian Fellowship (2001)
Story County Conservation Board (2000)
ISU Credit Union (1999)
First Edition (1998)
Mary Greeley Medical Center (1997)

Lemonade from Lemons Creativity Award
Stephens Auditorium (2024)
Senior Variety Show (2023)
Story Theater Company (2022)
M-Shop Performing Arts Committee (2021)
Susan Gant (2020)
​Steven Nissen (2014)
Reiman Gardens (2013)
Joyce Vegge (2012)
Octagon Center for the Arts (2011)
Susan Norris (2010)
Nancy Brousard (2009)
Main Street Cultural District (2007)
Ames Historical Society (2005)
Children’s Museum of Center Iowa (2002)
Octagon Center for the Arts (2001)
Ames Heritage Association (2000)
Sue Haug for AIOFA (1999)
Central Iowa Symphony (1998)
ACTORS (1997)

Art Educator Award
Cason Murphy (2022)
​Jordan Brooks (2021)
Cappie Dobyns (2021)
James Webb (2020)
Amanda Petefish-Schrag (2020)
Anthony Stevens (2019)
Laurie Olk (2018)
​Molly Nagel (2017)
​Lisa Rich-McKelvey (2016)
​Mark Stoltenberg (2015)
Terrie Hoefer (2014)
Lisa Victoria (2013)
Matt Foss (2012)
Nancy Girard (2011)
Tim Read (2010)
Jeffrey Prater (2009)
Joe Muench (2008)
Richard Heggen (2007)
Cheri Schloerke (2006)
Cynthia Marten (2005)
Sylvia Munsen (2004)

Cherished Volunteer Award
Don & Dee Draper (2014)
Barbara Walton (2013)
Gerald Kline (2012)
Jack Maudin (2011)

Veronika Ruedenberg Cultural Entrepreneur Award
Department of Music and Theatre (2024)
Ames Writers Collective (2024)
Reliable Street / Lockwwood Cafe (2020)
​Rachel & Bryon Dudley (2019)
Creative Artists' Studio of Ames / Lee Anne Willson (2016)
Ames C.art / Kristin Roach, Lyndsay Nissen, & Tiberiu Chelcea (2015)
Maximum Ames / Nate Logsdon & Chris Lyng (2014)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Betty Boccella (2024)
Robert Thomas (2023)
Barbara Evenson (2022)
​Ken Cameron (2021)
Alice Thompson (2020)
​Jim Okey (2020)
Mark Forbis (2019)
​Priscilla Sage (2018)
​Carole Horowitz (2017)
Roger Berger (2016)
​Chuck Jones (2015)
Loren & Marjorie Muench (2014)

* The Arts Awards were restructured in 2015. Some categories were combined.