celebrating

Excellence

The ABAE strives to ensure that artists and the arts always play a central role in our community. Recognizing the people and organizations who create and support art in all forms is one of the ways that we can highlight the importance and vitality of this sector. In 2010, the ABAE started honoring inspiring partnerships with the Arts and Business Partnership Award. This award recognizes innovative arts-business partnerships that positively impact the community, serve as a model for others, and effect significant mutual benefits for all parties involved. Over the past decade, over 25 partnerships have been recognized. They have ranged from a construction company lending a steamroller to an artist to create giant prints to an upcycle artist diverting fabric scraps from the waste stream and developing new products. Videos about each partnership can be found on the ABAE’s YouTube channel. In 2021, winners Michele and Dean Smith transformed a vacant retail space into low-cost studio space for artists.

In 2017, a new award was created to honor businesses that have gone above and beyond. The Dave Hauser Business of the Year Award, named in honor of late Eugene Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Dave Hauser, recognizes local businesses that demonstrate consistent and significant support of creating and presenting art in our community. Brittany Quick-Warner, president and CEO of the Chamber, reflects, “It is so great to be able to honor the businesses who champion our arts and culture scene. And it so meaningful that is named after Dave.” Longtime art supporters Emge & Whyte CPAs was honored with the award in 2021. Pam explains, “I believe that the arts and culture are a vital part of our communities’ success. Supporting these organizations helps ensure that they can continue to enrich the lives of our employees, clients, families, and friends, and create a vibrant community that I am proud to live in.”

The ABAE also partners with the Oregon Community Foundation to give out two additional community awards. The Eugene Arts & Letters Award, started in 1982, recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the enrichment of Eugene’s cultural life through their work as a visual, performing, or literary artist. Since 1984, the Fentress Award has recognized a local arts organization for exceptional work and achievement in the arts. The ABAE takes great pleasure in shining a light on the extraordinary work being done in the community.

To learn more about our awards and a list of past winners, click here.