Lewiston Council on the Arts is the winner of this year's Spark Award for DEC Program of the Year, an award that recognizes ASI's Decentralization (DEC) grantees for their hard work and successful art projects that took place during the previous calendar year. The council—which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone [...]
The West Falls Center for the Arts is the winner of this year's Spark Award for Rising Star, an award that honors a relatively new organization, an individual who is new in their position or organization, or a group or artist entering the next phase of their development. The nonprofit organization has provided visual, performing, [...]
In light of the current crisis surrounding COVID-19, the health and safety of our patrons, employees, and community are—as always—our highest priority. We have been closely monitoring updates and information issued by our local, state, and federal governing bodies, and as a result, have decided to reschedule ASI's 7th Annual Spark Awards, originally planned for [...]
Michele Agosto is the winner of this year's Spark Award for Trailblazer of the Arts, an honor that recognizes an individual for their efforts to call attention to the importance of the arts through their work in advocacy, arts administration, curating, or promotion. This individual can be at any level in their career or involvement [...]
The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Oishei Children’s Hospital is the winner of this year's Spark Award for Arts Integration. The Center provides multidisciplinary evaluation, diagnosis, care, and support for families with autism spectrum disorders. In addition to the medical work done by the team at the center, the resources and programs [...]
Councilmember Joel Feroleto, winner of this year's Spark Award for Supporter of the Cultural Sector, serves on the Buffalo Common Council representing Delaware District and volunteers as a Board member for the Bair Foundation and Save the Michaels Organization. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, he attended Canisius College and the University at Buffalo [...]
Beth Pedersen, winner of this year's Spark Award for Unsung Hero, has practiced art for decades. Beth's work explores nature and pertinent environmental issues through a variety of materials and mediums, from oil painting to print-making, which she expresses through both abstraction and representation. She has exhibited extensively regionally, nationally, and internationally. Once a realist [...]
[Please note that ASI is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and its potential impact on this year's Spark Awards on May 13. In the meantime, we still feel it's important to spotlight the important work of our many honorees.] Vincent O'Neill is the winner of this year's Spark Award for Lifetime Achievement, an award [...]
We are very excited to announce the 13 winners and finalists of the seventh annual Spark Awards, presented by M&T Bank. The awardees will be honored at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 13 at Forbes Theater (500 Pearl) in Buffalo, where guests will enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, a silent auction, and more. Tickets will go [...]
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Spark Awards, our annual celebration where we recognize outstanding individuals and organizations in the Western New York arts and cultural community. Every year, ASI honors leaders and heroes within our region for their dedication, talent, and critical impact on the sector. Award categories for the 2020 Spark Awards [...]
