On March 14th, Clay Center was named Rural Arts Community of the Year by Governor Laura Kelly. 

The Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards are an annual event where artists and communities are recognized for their contributions. It was hosted at the Topeka Zoo Kay McFarland Garden. 

Additional recipients included: 

Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Kiki Bush, Gypsum; Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Music: Bob McWilliams, Lawrence; Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Visual Arts: Shinhee Chin, McPherson; Arts Advocacy: Brenda Meder, Hays; Arts Patron of the Year: Paul Dorrell, Roeland Park; Excellence in Arts Education, Tyler Dallis, Pratt; Excellence in the Arts Business: The Artificers, Fort Scott; Emerging Arts Leader of the Year: Lacey Connell, Overland Park; Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: LV Arts, Leavenworth ; Rural Arts Community of the Year: Clay Center; Urban Arts Community of the Year: NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, Topeka ; Arts Leader of the Year: Katy Guthrie, Garden City; Arts Organization of the Year: Theatre in the Park, Overland Park; Arts Legacy Award: Constance “Connie” Bonfy, Wichita; Cecil Riney, Wichita; NedRa Bonds, Kansas City; The Governor’s Award: Melissa Etheridge, Leavenworth