Image courtesy Canva
Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Arts Commission announced the winners of the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards during a ceremony on Monday, February 2, at the Docking State Office Building in Topeka.
The awards honor Kansas artists, organizations, and communities that improve quality of life in the state and promote creative expression through the arts.
This year’s top honor, the Governor’s Award, was presented to Wichita native Joe Walsh. Walsh, a multi-Grammy Award-winning musician, is known for his work with the James Gang, the Eagles, and his solo career. He also founded the veterans nonprofit VetsAid in 2017, which has raised over $4 million for veterans’ charities.
This year’s award categories and recipients are:
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Dance: Ballet Folklorico de Topeka – Topeka
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Literature: Annette Hope Billings – Topeka
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Darrell Brogdon – Lawrence
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Kevin Willmott – Lawrence
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Music: Maria the Mexican – Topeka
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Theatre: Main Street Arts Council – Colby
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Theatre: Ryan Urban – Overland Park
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Visual Arts: Ann Resnick – Wichita
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: House of Morrow – Emporia
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: Kansas Arts Network – Statewide
- Emerging Arts Leader of the Year: Nick Carswell – Lawrence
- Excellence in Arts Education: Cash Hollistah – Salina
- Excellence in Arts in Business: Emprise Bank/Mike Michaelis – Wichita
- Arts Patron of the Year: Stev Overstreet – Wichita
- Arts Advocate of the Year: Erin Raux – Wichita
- Arts Community of the Year: InterUrban ArtHouse – Overland Park
- Arts Leader of the Year: Brittany Novotny – Pratt
- Arts Organization of the Year: 5.4.7 Arts Center – Greensburg
- Arts Legacy Award: Pete Felten – Hays
- Arts Legacy Award: Alan Held – Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: Bobby Watson – Kansas City
- Excellence in Public Service in the Arts: Representative Pam Curtis
- Excellence in Public Service in the Arts: Representative Jerry Stogsdill
The Governor’s Award: Joe Walsh
