By Tania Said, Executive Director, MuncieArts—
MUNCIE, IN — “We’re going to make beautiful music together tonight, Muncie!” said Laura Williams, one of the DJs, or emcees, of the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards.
And with that, the Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts), in conjunction with the City of Muncie, rocked the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards on Friday, Sept. 19, at Muncie Civic Theatre.
This ceremony recognized 10 years of celebrating arts and culture in Muncie and, as part of the celebration, also shined the spotlight on local musicians throughout the evening.
Performers included Dan Wright, India Potter, Stuart Cotton, Barrelhouse Cats, John Kolar, Ball State’s Pop Performance Lab, and KDog.
“Muncie came together to celebrate arts and culture and all the nominees of the Mayor’s Arts Awards,” remarked Tania Said, Executive Director of MuncieArts, after the event. “There was so much joy, excitement, and congratulations for both the nominees and selected recipients. It’s this collective spirit centered around arts and culture that makes Muncie stand out from other communities of our size.”
If you missed the ceremony, it will be broadcast on Ball State PBS at noon on Oct. 12 and 9 p.m. on Oct. 16.
The Mayor’s Arts Awards are the most prestigious honors given to local individual artists, educators, organizations, and patrons of the arts. The selection is made by an Awards Committee, a rotating cohort of members from Muncie’s arts, education, business, and public service sectors, as well as a regional arts representative.
The Mayor’s Arts Awards were presented – by former winners – in eight distinct categories: Artist in the Community, Arts Advocate, Arts Educator, Arts Leader, Corporate Arts, Next Generation Artist, Maker, and Lifetime Achievement. The recipients were selected from a record 25 nominations submitted by community members.
The 2025 award recipients, in alphabetical order, are:
Christiana Mann, Maker Award – Christiana Mann is a chef, educator, and entrepreneur whose culinary artistry brings people together. At Ball State University, she shares more than 40 years of industry experience, teaching hospitality and leadership while mentoring future chefs. She
owns The Culinary Cottage and co-owns Three Bears Concessions, offering creative food experiences at markets and festivals. Deeply committed to service, Christiana leads immersive learning on food insecurity, volunteers at the Soup Kitchen, and rescues food for distribution, nourishing her community in meaningful ways.
Mike Martin, Arts Leader Award – Mike Martin, celebrated musician and community builder, leads The Common Market, a unique space uniting music, culture, and mutual aid in Muncie. Alongside his band, Mike Martin & The Beautiful Mess, he has championed authentic artistry while fostering opportunities for others through open mics, specialty events, and afterschool programs. The Market also provides food, clothing, and wellness resources, embodying Martin’s vision of a culture-first, inclusive gathering place that strengthens neighborhoods and inspires connection across Muncie’s south side.
Muncie Children’s Museum, Corporate Arts Award – Founded in 1977 by four local mothers and educators, the Muncie Children’s Museum was created as a place where children learn through play and direct interaction. Guided by this philosophy, MCM fosters creativity, problem solving, communication, and critical thinking. Over the years, the museum has partnered with local arts organizations, offered hands-on programs, and even created take-home art kits during COVID. Today, it continues to provide engaging, playful experiences that nurture children’s creativity and lifelong learning.
Zach Poor, Next Generation Artist Award – Zach Poor is a designer and artist dedicated to celebrating and strengthening Muncie’s cultural life. His award-winning work at Intersection has advanced the city’s identity through creative branding and design for local institutions. Beyond his professional role, he engages in printmaking, film photography, and public art, with projects that invite broad community participation. Serving with MuncieArts and neighborhood organizations, Zach mentors emerging creatives, leads collaborative exhibitions, and promotes the arts as a foundation for civic pride and connection.
John “Doc” Peterson, Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. John “Doc” Peterson, owner and founder of Doc’s Music Hall, was instrumental in revitalizing downtown Muncie and fostering its arts community. At a time of doubt and decline, he invested in a space that welcomed everyone, creating an inclusive haven for musicians and artists of all backgrounds. His commitment, often against financial odds, inspired growth and creativity that shaped the city’s cultural landscape. Doc’s legacy lives on as a testament to his vision, generosity, and belief in the power of art.
Lily Rawson, Arts Educator Award – Lily Rawson, an accomplished glass artist and educator, was recently named Director of the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass at Ball State University. Her work has included teaching elementary art, coordinating adult and studio programs at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, and leading more than 150 glass workshops that engaged learners of all ages. She has also taught at GRT Hot Glass Studio and Ball State. With an encouraging approach, Lily inspires creativity, empowers students, and makes arts education accessible and transformative.
Ashley Runkle, Artist in the Community Award – Ashley Runkle has brought vibrant mural art to many prominent Muncie locations, transforming community and business spaces alike. Her projects include murals for Boulder Falls Putt & Batting Cages, Hunnicutts, Ivy Tech Community College – Muncie, Mancino’s Pizza, Roots Burger Bar, and West View Elementary School. Each work reflects local culture and values, making art accessible and inviting to the public. Her work enhances visibility, strengthens community pride, and connects people through shared creative experiences.
This year’s event also brought the return of the People’s Choice Award. The 2025 recipient, after nominations were tallied on the MuncieArts Facebook page, was Anwar Rhuma Frazier, a painter, muralist, furniture maker, and clothing designer.
Laura Williamson, Executive Director of Muncie Civic Theatre, and Michelle Kinsey of the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University (and the MuncieArts board vice president) kept the ceremony “rocking” between awards and performances that added musicians each time, culminating with a large “Sir Duke” jam.
There were also swag giveaways and a drawing for a special gift basket with donations from artists and arts organizations. And let’s not forget the reception for nominees, sponsors, and others, before the ceremony where partygoers sipped on a signature Mayor’s Arts Awards mocktail and mingled.
The night closed with more music, of course! Barrelhouse Cats and the Pop Performance Lab’s band Blind Hog provided the afterparty tunes.
“It was great to see the community rally behind this event and the nominees,” said Kim Miller, President of the MuncieArts board. “The planning committee did a wonderful job making the 10th Anniversary of the Mayor’s Arts Awards so special. I would like to thank Mayor Ridenour and the City of Muncie for their support of this event.”
Sponsors for this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards were presenting sponsor, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County; media sponsor, Ball State Public Media; nominee reception sponsors, Accutech and Vera Mae’s Bistro; community reception sponsor, HeidiJHale Designs, and award and performance sponsors, the City of Muncie; College of Fine Arts, Ball State University; Destination: Muncie; Muncie Downtown Development Partnership; First Merchants Bank; First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors; Gordy Fine Art and Framing; Ivy Tech Community College – Muncie; Meridian Health Services; Muncie Civic Theatre; Muncie Sports Commission; Old National Bank; Pridemark Construction, and the Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation.
For more information about the Mayor’s Arts Awards, please visit munciearts.org.
About the Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts)
The mission of MuncieArts is to champion arts and culture experiences, public art, and a thriving community of artists and allies in Muncie, Indiana. MuncieArts is the official arts partner of the City of Muncie and was formed in 2009. We impact economic growth, sustainable communities, and health and wellness through arts and culture.
