Student, alumni win Emerging Artists awards

A St. Cloud State University senior and two alumni were among the eight winners of the Central Minnesota Arts Board’s 2017 Emerging Artist Awards announced this March.

Senior Leanne Loy, a creative writing major who writes short stories and poetry, was the only award winner working in the literary arts. Alumni honorees include Adam Hammer ’05, a musician, vocalist and songwriter, and Richard Chandler ’12, a musician who works in orchestral music.

The $3,000 Emerging Artist Awards recognize and encourage outstanding artists in various stages of their careers. The awards are part of the board’s annual McKnight Individual Artist Awards, which also recognize an established artist each year.

Alumna Janice Courtney ’96 served as a volunteer on the Individual Artist Award Panel that reviewed the applications and made recommendations on winners to the board.

The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties. It is one of 11 Regional Arts Councils designated by the Minnesota State Arts Board.