City of Port Townsend Arts Commission Announces 2026 Arts Awards

Awards ceremony scheduled for February 27 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds

February 13, 2026 PORT TOWNSEND – The City of Port Townsend Arts Commission (PTAC) presents the Port Townsend Art Awards, an annual event to recognize individuals, artist collectives, organizations, and businesses that significantly contribute to the cultural enrichment of our community.The awards have been reimagined by the Commission this year and will be held as part of the Soundcheck Art & Music Festival on February 27, at 5:00 pm in the Erickson Building at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The Arts Commission's mission is to facilitate public arts programs that enhance the cultural life of community residents. The arts awards are an integral part of the Commission’s mission and work to support local artists and arts patrons, innovators, and activators.

Join PTAC and City representatives to celebrate four individual artists and one arts organization nominated by the community for making an impact in Port Townsend and East Jefferson County in 2025.

The awards go to:

Alexandra Anagnostopoulos
Arts Catalyst Award

Genevieve Barlow
Creative Community Builder Award

Daniel Ferland
Art Educator Award

Martha Worthley
Arts Legacy Award

Port Townsend Youth Theater
Youth Impact Award

The reimagined Port Townsend Arts Awards evolved out of PTAC’s Angel and Patron of the Arts Awards presented since 1999. Each year, with a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arts Awards process has involved a call for nominations with review and selection of the awardees by members of the Arts Commission. In 2024, the awards went to Kate Dwyer as Angel of the Arts, and Tracy Grisman as Patron of the Arts.

All are welcome to attend this free event, including an awards ceremony with Mayor AmyHoward, poetry by the City Poet Laureate, Rufina C. Garay, and music by Simon Lynge. The awards ceremony is the kick-off for the Soundcheck Art & Music Festival and will be followed at the Fairgrounds by a community spaghetti dinner, dessert cook-off, and all-ages dance party. 

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Find more details on Soundcheck events: https://ptcreativedistrict.org/soundcheck

Learn more about the Port Townsend Art Awards:http://https://cityofpt.us/bc-ac/page/arts-awards