The Spark Awards is ASI’s annual awards celebration where outstanding individuals and organizations in the Western New York arts community are recognized for their dedication, talent, and impact on the sector.
Arts Organization of the Year: Finalists Buffalo Opera Unlimited, CEPA Gallery, Locust Street Neighborhood Art Classes
Artist of the Year: Finalists Chantal Calato, Jalen A. Law, Stephen Solook
Arts Integration Thembi Duncan, Shea’s PAC, and the Buffalo Police Department’s Body Language Competency Training for New Recruits
DEC Program of the Year Defiant Monkey Improv’s “The Brain of Dr. Delgado”
Leading Where You Are Nancy Clarke Mariani, Michael Quinniey, Jose Rodriguez, Gaitrie Subryan
Lifetime Achievement Patrick Fagan
Rising Star Nicole Cooke, WNY Book Arts Center
Supporter of the Cultural Sector Cullen Foundation
Trailblazer of the Arts Aitina Fareed-Cooke
Unsung Hero Joan Fishburn