Arts education takes many forms, and this year’s honorees reflect that. Working in different disciplines and settings, Drew Burke and Lucy Andrus have each developed thoughtful approaches to engaging learners and creating meaningful connections through the arts.
The Arts Educator Spark Award recognizes an arts educator or teaching artist whose work has made a meaningful impact through the design and delivery of arts learning experiences.
Drew Burke
2026 Arts Educator Award Winner
For nearly two decades, Niagara County native Drew Burke has helped students and community members develop a passion for music and see themselves as part of the arts. As the Director of Choral Activities at Barker Central School, Drew works with students from third grade through graduation, while also directing the Lock City Sound community chorus and serving as a vocal director for Spotlight Performing Artists.
Drew’s teaching goes beyond musical technique. He adapts his approach to individual learners, helping students and performers build their skills, confidence, and understanding of music. His students have gone on to participate in All-County and All-State ensembles, pursue arts education and careers, and remain active in Western New York’s arts community.
As Director of Lock City Sound, Drew has helped the ensemble grow from approximately 24 to 36 active members while creating an environment where singers of different experience levels feel welcome. He also incorporates education into performances, helping audiences understand the history, meaning, and purpose behind the music.
His commitment to access and inclusion includes bringing American Sign Language into performances, an idea first introduced by one of his students. Drew encouraged that student’s interest and helped bring ASL interpretation to both school and community performances.
Drew describes music as a primary means of communication, and his work has helped countless students, performers, and community members develop confidence, connection, and an appreciation for the arts.
“His greatest accomplishment is not measured by performances, awards, or concerts, but by the countless individuals who found confidence, connection, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts because Drew believed in them.”
Lucy Andrus
2026 Arts Educator Award Honorable Mention
Lucy Andrus is the founder and lead educator of Art Discovery, a community-based arts education program in northern Chautauqua County. Since 2019, Art Discovery has offered accessible, college-level arts programming to adults of all backgrounds through pay-what-you-can classes.
Lucy is an award-winning professor emeritus from Buffalo State University with 35 years of experience training art educators and art therapy students. Through Art Discovery, participants explore art, world cultures, and hands-on creative practices in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Lucy volunteers her time to run the program and helps sustain it by providing supplies and materials when funding is unavailable.
