TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) has selected Stephen Smith, owner of the Stephen Smith Gallery, as the recipient of the 2024-25 Art Enhancer Award.
Smith, a Topeka native, was nominated for the award by Brad LeDuc, art instructor at Washburn Rural University, in recognition of his dedicated support of art education in Kansas.
Brad LeDuc states in his nomination letter, “Stephen has played a critical role in partnering with the Washburn Rural High School Art Department for their annual Late Night Art Lock-in event. This unique event brings together 20 to 25 local high school students and provides them with the invaluable opportunity to be mentored by a professional artist and create an original work of art. Stephen generously hosts this event in his gallery, creating an inspiring and professional environment for the students.”
The official awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 11 a.m. at the KAEA Fall Conference at the Rock Springs Conference Center Heritage Hall Auditorium in Junction City, Kansas.
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