Wirt Award

The Wirt Award, named for our founder Tom Wirt, was established in 2019 to recognize outstanding local citizens for their commitment to building community through the arts. Tom understood the power of a thriving arts hub sharing resources and support to strengthen the community. In that spirit, HCA recognizes an area resident whose work has uplifted the arts ecosystem.

Nominations for the 2025 Wirt Award are now closed. The award will be presented at a special event in August 2026. The HCA Board of Directors reviews the nominees and makes the final selection.

To nominate someone who has given their time and talents to building a stronger arts community, please complete the form on this page.

Past Recipients:

2019: Tom Wirt

2020: Corey Stearns

2021: Greg Jodzio

2022: Kay Johnson

2023: Valerie Mackenthun

2024: Holly Dapper

2025: Jenna & Jayson Wall

We also accept nomination by mail. Please provide answers to all questions from the form and send them to:

Wirt Award Nomination

Hutchinson Center for the Arts

P.O. Box 667

Hutchinson, MN 55350