Governor Kelly Celebrates Joe Walsh, Other Kansas Artists at Governor’s Arts Awards

Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) at the Kansas Department of Commerce announced the recipients of the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards at its annual ceremony Monday, February 2, at the Docking State Office Building in Topeka. 

“Thanks to the dedicated individuals and organizations in our state who make our communities more vibrant, the arts are thriving in Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “When creativity is supported and encouraged, we strengthen intergenerational relationships, boost economic innovation, and improve community identity.”

These awards celebrate and recognize Kansas artists, organizations, and communities for leadership in improving quality of life in Kansas and encouraging meaningful creative expression through the arts. 

“This group of Kansas artists, art administrators, and advocates we are honoring from across the state continue to have significant and positive impacts on our economy and culture,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas is fortunate to have such an array of artists who are eager to take their work to the next level, bringing great benefit and pride to the entire state.”

This year, the recipient of the Governor’s Award, which was presented by Governor Kelly to close out the night, is Joe Walsh, a multi-Grammy Award winning musician and Wichita native who has earned global acclaim for his work with the James Gang, the Eagles, and a successful solo career. In addition to his music career, Walsh founded the veterans nonprofit VetsAid in 2017, which has disbursed more than $4 million to veterans’ services charities to date.

“It’s hard to imagine American rock without the guitar solos, flawless songwriting, and the enduring musical career of Joe Walsh,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “Joe’s passion for music, paired with his generosity and philanthropy, makes him the perfect recipient for such a prestigious award.”

This year’s award categories and recipients are: 

• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Dance: Ballet Folklorico de Topeka – Topeka
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Literature: Annette Hope Billings – Topeka 
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Darrell Brogdon – Lawrence 
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Kevin Willmott – Lawrence 
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Music: Maria the Mexican – Topeka 
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Theatre: Main Street Arts Council – Hoxie
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Theatre: Ryan Urban – Overland Park 
• Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Visual Arts: Ann Resnick – Wichita 
• Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: House of Morrow – Emporia 
• Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: Kansas Arts Network – Statewide 
• Emerging Arts Leader of the Year: Nick Carswell – Lawrence 
• Excellence in Arts Education: Cash Hollistah – Salina 
• Excellence in Arts in Business: Emprise Bank/Mike Michaelis – Wichita 
• Arts Patron of the Year: Stev Overstreet – Wichita 
• Arts Advocate of the Year: Erin Raux – Wichita 
• Arts Community of the Year: InterUrban ArtHouse – Overland Park 
• Arts Leader of the Year: Brittany Novotny – Pratt 
• Arts Organization of the Year: 5.4.7 Arts Center – Greensburg 
• Arts Legacy Award: Pete Felten – Hays 
• Arts Legacy Award: Alan Held – Wichita 
• Arts Legacy Award: Bobby Watson – Kansas City 
• Excellence in Public Service in the Arts: Representative Pam Curtis 
• Excellence in Public Service in the Arts: Representative Jerry Stogsdill 
• The Governor’s Award: Joe Walsh 

Photos from the event are available for media use here. To learn more about KAC, their programs, and art resources, visit here.