These awardees participate in the creation, teaching and/or development of art. They continue to improve communities by giving them greater access to art, increasing their knowledge of the craft, and creating exceptional work.

These awardees have created innovative solutions to known challenges within their communities. They are leaders in developing social, cultural, and economic change to improve lives.

These awardees have fostered a spirit of service in others by maintaining meaningful involvement in civic service. The depth and scope of their work has had a great impact on the communities they serve, and their inspiring commitment and passion to their work continues to bring others into service.

Awardees will have entrepreneurial spirit and initiative.  They will have taken the time to shape ideas into well performing ventures as well as operationalize innovation and demonstrate resilience.  Awardees will have either newly entered the entrepreneurship field by starting or supporting a new business or have owned and operated their own business within the last 10 years.

Awardees demonstrate a lively curiosity and willingness to study new subjects or have a serious involvement with a specific subject matter.  They treat learning itself as a valued part of life and through it find ways to continuously recreate themselves through personal and/or professional growth.

These awardees have consistently contributed their talents, skills, and support to family, friends, and neighbors with little recognition. They have a deep, tireless, and quiet commitment to service that enhances the quality of life in their communities, and positively influence many circumstances from behind the scenes.