Best and Brightest
We loved BLINK. You loved BLINK. Now Ohio loves BLINK!
2025 Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio
Arts Administration
Zachary Thomas | Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)
Arts Education (co-winners)
Padma Chebrolu | Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
James Swearingen | Grove City (Franklin County)
Arts Support (co-winners)
Sara Jane DeHoff | Perrysburg (Wood County)
WYSO-FM | Yellow Springs (Greene County)
Community Development and Participation (co-winners)
William Henry Caldwell | Dayton (Montgomery County)
Artsbridge, Inc. | Marietta (Washington County)
Individual Artist
Gerardo Teissonnière | Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)
Irma Lazarus
BLINK | Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
Hailing from all corners of the state, nine outstanding Ohioans and arts organizations were selected to receive a Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio this year.
BLINK, the nation’s largest art and light festival, was honored with the earned the Irma Lazarus Award as part of the 2025 Ohio Governor's Awards..
A tradition since 1971, the Governor's Awards showcase and celebrate exceptional Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and supporters, and educators. Award recipients are presented with the only arts award in the state that is conferred by the governor.
"Through their work, this year’s Governor’s Awards winners have brought positive national and international acclaim to Ohio,” said OAC Executive Director Donna S. Collins. “Their artistic talents and contributions have improved the lives of Ohio’s residents. These honorees share efforts that align with the Ohio Arts Council’s mission to strengthen our communities culturally, educationally, and economically.”
Additionally, Charley Moses, chair of the Capitol Square Foundation and board president of the Ohio History Connection, will receive a special recognition from the Ohio Arts Council’s board for his work to advance the arts throughout the state.
In recognition of their impactful and visionary leadership in Ohio’s creative sector and their sustained dedication to promoting artistic excellence, awardees will be honored during a ceremony on May 28. Each of the winners will receive an original work of art by painter Tara Yarzand of Sylvania.