Arts and culture thrive on connection. The people recognized in this category have created opportunities for artists, audiences, and community members to come together, share ideas, and build relationships through the arts.
The Community Organizer Spark Award honors individuals whose events, programs, and other efforts have strengthened those connections and contributed to a more connected arts and cultural sector in Western New York.
Janna Willoughby-Lohr
2026 Community Organizer Award Winner
Janna Willoughby-Lohr is an artist, entrepreneur, and longtime member of Western New York’s creative community. Through Papercraft Miracles, she has built a creative business rooted in sustainability and connection while creating opportunities for artists, makers, and community members to participate in and learn from the arts.
Her community work takes many forms. Janna has been a longtime organizer with the Buffalo Infringement Festival, helping create opportunities for emerging and experimental artists to share their work. As an editor of Earth’s Daughters, she helps amplify the voices of women and other underrepresented writers and artists. Through her leadership with NAWBO Buffalo Niagara, she has also supported women entrepreneurs and
helped advance diversity and inclusion initiatives, including the WINGS scholarship program and member meet-ups.
More recently, Janna launched The Art of Business & The Business of Art, a masterclass designed to help artists and creatives build sustainable businesses using the skills and lessons she has developed through her own career. She is directing a portion of the proceeds toward the Mama Birdie Childcare Fund, which aims to provide childcare at professional development events so more parents can participate.
Janna also regularly brings creativity into community spaces through workshops, speaking engagements, educational programs, and collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations. From large-scale creative projects to mentorship and professional development, she consistently creates ways for people to connect with the arts and with one another.
For her ongoing work creating opportunities, building connections, and supporting the people who make up Western New York’s creative community, Janna Willoughby-Lohr is the 2026 Spark Award recipient for Community Organizer.
“Her influence is felt not just in what she creates, but in how she builds pathways for others to thrive.”
Leslie Calimeri
2026 Community Organizer Honorable Mention
Leslie Calimeri is a freelance artist, graphic designer, curator, and the owner of Chautauqua Art Gallery, which showcases regional and international artists in addition to offering classes and arts-related events in Jamestown.
Beyond the gallery, Leslie creates opportunities for artists to connect with new audiences. She is a founder and host sponsor of Artscape, a public art project now in its fourth year that brings exclusive reproductions of local artists’ work to banners throughout downtown Jamestown, creating an outdoor gallery for residents and visitors. She extends the project through gallery exhibitions and an ongoing partnership with Pearl City Clay House.
Leslie regularly supports artists through the coordination of vendor opportunities at community events, helping artists gain visibility and connect with new audiences. For her ongoing work bringing artists and communities together across Chautauqua County, Leslie is a 2026 Spark Award Honorable Mention.
“Her influence is felt not just in what she creates, but in how she builds pathways for others to thrive.”
