Aug 20, 2026 - News

Meet the Maker: The 2026 ARTI Award winners

Justin L. Mack

Two-panel image: left—a woman with a floral tattoo in a green apron in a pottery studio; right—a person in white and sunglasses in front of a vivid pink mural. — Alexa Adamson and Deborah Asante are among the 2026 ARTI winners. Photos: Courtesy of Indy Arts Council

Meet the six creators and organizations being honored this week for moving the arts and culture needle in Indy.

The inspo: Since 1987, the Indy Arts Council ARTI award winners have been recognized during the council's Start With Art Celebration that launches the fall art, gallery and cultural season.

The Start with Art event will be at the Indiana Roof Ballroom Thursday from 3-6pm.
It's sold out, but local art lovers are invited to donate. All gifts will be matched by the Efroymson Family Fund and support the work the Indy Arts Council does year-round.

Zoom in: Here are the 2026 ARTI Award Winners for each category:

Artist/Activist: Alexa Adamson of Alley Cat Ceramics and Patina Gallery.
Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement Award: Deborah Asante.
Neighborhood Impact: Downtown Indy Alliance.
Community Partnerships: Indy Indie Book Crawl.
Cultural Entrepreneur: Epicurean Indy.
Corporate Leadership: First Merchants.

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Meet the Maker: The 2026 ARTI Award winners

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