Outstanding Adan in the Arts
Every year the AAC chooses to recognize a member of the arts
community that have exhibited or performed an outstanding service to Ada.
Jo Anna & Cameron Owens
2023
Owners of Kind Origin Dispensary and their multipurpose area, The Gathering Space. They host local Ada artists, musicians, comedians, sculptors, authors, poets, chefs, and many more!
Dr. Brad Jessop
2022
Dr. Jessop served as a faculty member and chair of the Art Department at ECU for 32 years, and director of the School of Fine Arts for 12 years. He retired from ECU at the end of July 2022.
Micah Gordon & Merrie Palmer
2021/2020
Two top performing arts and music educators at Ada High School who have provided extensive outreach and support to Ada’s youth.
2019
In addition to his work at the Ada newspaper, Richard enjoys fine art and travel photography, creative writing and has taught photography since 2007.
2018
Co-owner of the Grandview Main Gallery located on historic main street. Hosting events space hosts art exhibits, wedding receptions, comedy shows and more.
2017
Sam was posthumously recognized for her contributions to her students and local art scene as an assistant professor of mass communications at ECU.
Past Recipients
2016 - Vickie Reifsnider
2014 - David & Deanna Piercy
2013 - Kenneth Hada
2012 - W.T. Skye & Sarah Garcia
2011 - Tori Davison
2010 - Diane Criswell
2001 - Dr. Starla Hibler
2000 - Patti Reese
1999 - Suzanne McFarlane
1998 - Rosemarie Benya
1997 - Phyllis Kunze
1996 - Rudy Lupinski
1994 - Jeff Frederick
1991 - Doug Laramore
1990 - Dorothy Summers
1989 - Betty Brooks
1988 - Bronson Warren
1987 - Mary Ann Deen
1986 - Dave & Virginia Ramsay
1985 - Austin Kidwell
1984 - Marguerite Hawkinson
1983 - Betty Woods
1982 - Orville Robbins
1981 - Muriel Davis