Maybe you know a gifted local performer, an inspiring author, or a passionate teacher, artist, or musician who opens doors for others through the arts. Or perhaps someone you admire has sparked cultural pride and community spirit through their creative work.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to shine a spotlight on their talent and impact? Now’s your chance—because nominations are officially open for the 2025 Excellence in Arts Awards!

If you know any unsung champions of Brighton’s arts and culture scene, we want to hear about them. Nominees are considered in seven categories: Master of Visual Arts, Master of Performing Arts, Master of Literary Arts, Visionary, Master of Cultural Arts in Education, Outstanding Volunteer in Cultural Arts, and Beyond Brighton.

“This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we’re planning something really special for the ceremony,” shared Sandie Mackenzie, a member of the Brighton Cultural Arts Connection Board of Directors. “Be sure to attend—you won’t want to miss this celebration!”

Mackenzie and fellow board member Natalie Beck are co-chairing the event and bringing fresh energy to the milestone year. For the first time, the ceremony will take place at The Armory, a larger venue that opens the door for exciting additions.

“The Armory allows us to welcome more guests—and a special musical performance we can’t wait to share,” said Beck. “We’re all thrilled to make this year’s celebration bigger and better than ever!”

Mark your calendars for the 10th Anniversary Excellence in Arts Awards:
Thursday, October 2nd
The Armory, 300 Strong Street, Brighton, CO

Meanwhile, click here to nominate your favorite local arts hero today:
https://brightonculturalarts.org/excellence-in-arts/excellence-in-arts-nomination-form/

The Al Lesser Building at Riverdale Regional Park teemed with life, beauty, and artistic spirit as Brighton Cultural Arts Connection and 27J Schools partnered last month to celebrate student artwork from 16 schools within the district. 

On April 18th and 19th, over 800 people–students, parents, guardians, family members, friends, and local art enthusiasts–flocked to the art show to admire student artwork in five categories: 2D, 3D, Graphic Design, Photography, and Unified. 

“This is what we’re all about,” beamed Kathryn LeDonne, BCAC chair, “bringing people together through the power of art!” BCAC collaborated with art teachers from across the district, as well as with Superintendent Will Pierce, who was very supportive and appreciative of the effort.

Bright’nJazz, under the direction of Kat McCusker, added a sophisticated musical atmosphere on day two of the show, underscoring the magic that happens when different forms of artistic expression join forces.

Three studio artists from Brighton’s Main Street Gallery–Judith Dickinson, Kathy Hansen, and Ed Hansen–served as judges, along with Steve Simcox, a member of BCAC’s Public Art Committee.

LeDonne expressed her deep appreciation for the many members of the community–students, artists, teachers, musicians, Adams County employees, grant funding organizations, volunteers, and of course the many attendees–who came together to make this event such a huge success. “It really demonstrates what can happen when the community works together to support the arts and especially to support these amazing, talented kids,” she said. 

Those kids, of course, were the real stars of the show. As Kathy Hansen, one of the judges, commented, “I was so impressed with all the student talent. Creating art is so fun. It definitely expands their brain cells. Pretty soon they are viewing this beautiful world with a different eye, an ‘artsy eye.’”

BCAC awarded a total of $3,000 to the schools whose students won Best in Show awards and $500 to the school whose student won Superintendent’s Choice. These awards were made possible by a Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) grant and a City of Brighton Creative Community grant. 

BCAC has hosted the 27J District Art for two years now, and next year promises to be even more successful. We’ll let you know as soon as we have next year’s venue and dates!