Arts Quincy is excited to announce the recipients of the 2020-21 George M. Irwin Art Awards. 
These awards are designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of these outstanding individuals and organizations. This year, new categories were added to recognize the many roles each person or organization played in the promotion of the fine arts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Winners of the George M. Irwin Art Awards are chosen by a committee based on criteria that demonstrates impact, leadership, engagement, and innovation throughout the community. 

George M Irwin Art Awards: Sponsored by WGEM, The Quincy Herald Whig and the Oakley Lindsay Foundation.

Arts Access Leader of the Year
Quincy Herald Whig: This award is given to a person or business making a significant effort to increase fine arts access and connect existing programs with people in underserved parts of the community including those who are living below the poverty line, the differently-abled, military veterans, the elderly and minorities. 

Philanthropic Leader of the Year
Lee Lindsay: This award is given to an individual or local business making a financial commitment to the arts in Adams County. 

Arts Nonprofit of the Year
Quincy Art Center: This award is given to a nonprofit organization that has made a substantial impact on the cultural development of this area demonstrated through exceptional artistic achievement, outstanding programming or other leadership activities.

Arts Quincy Award  for Community Vision 
Anne St. John and Trees for Tomorrow: This new award is given to a volunteer or organization in recognition for outstanding contributions to the aesthetic vision for Quincy, including projects that have special artistic merit, contribute to community beautification and elevate the quality of life for residents of Quincy and Adams County. 

​Arts Quincy honored Adams County’s fine arts teachers as the recipients of the 2020-21 George M. Irwin Art Award in Art Education.
“We have historically awarded a single teacher this honor, but as the Arts Quincy board talked about it, we recognized that every fine arts teacher in Quincy has gone above and beyond this year to deliver programing to area students,” said Laura Sievert, Executive Director of Arts Quincy. “It makes sense for us to say thank you and to recognize this amazing effort to keep art in our childrens’ lives!” 
This award is designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of these outstanding individuals and schools. This year, the George M. Irwin Art Award was given to recognize the innovation and determination that Adams County fine arts teachers demonstrated in the promotion of the fine arts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to their efforts, the fine arts are still accessible and inspiring to students during this unprecedented time.  
Winners of the George M. Irwin Art Awards are chosen by a board committee based on criteria that demonstrates impact, leadership, engagement, and innovation throughout the community.  

Winners of the Student Art Awards are chosen by a committee based on criteria that includes academic success, community service, and extra-curricular involvement. Here are the winners of the Student Art Awards: 
Vocal Music: Paige Schumacher –
​Quincy Senior High School: Paige, a senior at Quincy Senior High School, is involved in concert choir, show choir, theatre crew, National Honor Society, is the all-school president of student council, and is editor in chief of the Quippi Yearbook. She expresses her passion for the arts through photography, graphic design, and volunteering throughout the community. Paige is the daughter of Ryan and Kate Schumacher. 

Instrumental Music: Audra Tweedell – Quincy Senior High School: Audra, a senior, has played percussion for the Quincy Senior High School concert band and pep band, been a drumline member in the marching band for four years, and played keyboard for the jazz band. Additionally, Audra is involved in concert choir, madrigal choir, National Honor Society, beta club, the pom squad, operation serve, show choir, QHS musicals, and is an all-state musician. Audra is the daughter of Jeff and Sharon Tweedell and has two sisters, Taylor and Lauren. 
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Theater/Performing Arts: Ethan Duesterhaus – Quincy Senior High School: Ethan, a senior, has served as a sound crew member in the theatre department at Quincy Senior High School for numerous plays and musicals. He is involved in theatre guild, the International Thespian Society, concert choir, madrigal choir, and is an Illinois all-state musician. Ethan is the son of Tim and Teresa Duesterhaus.