Prior Winners
2025:
People's Choice Award
Ellie Hanna
David K. Merrill Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award :
Jim Tornatore
Artist of the Year Winner:
Dardo Galletto &
Alonso Guzmán
Other Finalists:
- Ellie Hanna
- Danielle Hawthorne
- Laura Modlin​​​
- Brandi Sabato
- Maya Rose SpokenWord
- Jim Tornatore
2024:
Artist of the Year Winner:
Tammy Lee Dunn​​​​
Other Finalists:
- Alejandra Pelaez Muñoz
- Faith Vicinanzo​​​
David K. Merrill Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award :
Faith Vicinanza
2026 Nomination Guidelines & Submission
This award seeks to recognize and support creators and makers who demonstrate a high level of artistry and innovation, as well as inspire others, bring people together, and help grow the arts in greater Southbury area. By showing off the work of exceptional artists, SACA hopes to support more great art in the future.
Deadline:
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All nominations must be received by September 15, 2026.
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The celebration and awards ceremony date TBD.
Who Can Be Nominated?
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Artists who have lived or worked in Southbury or its bordering towns (Bridgewater, Middlebury, Newtown, Oxford, Roxbury, and Woodbury) for at least one year may be nominated.
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The artist should have done something in the arts locally in the past year, such as a show, a class, or an event.
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Anyone in town can nominate an artist. Artists can also nominate themselves.
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Any type of artist can be nominated, including visual (painters, illustrators, graphic artists, fiber artists), performing (musicians, dancers, singers), and literary (poets, writers, story-tellers) artists.
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The artist’s work should be creative, original, and show a high level of technical skill.
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The artist’s work should also engage with and enrich the community, whether through interactive projects, educational initiatives, cultural activities, or social commentary.
Rules:
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Art that is offensive, discriminatory, inappropriate, or that utilizes hate speech will not be accepted. Acceptance of a nomination is at the sole discretion of SACA.
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By submitting the nominating form, you agree that SACA can share the photos of your submission on our website and social media channels and in event materials.