Gov. Brad Little and first lady Teresa Little have selected the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Awards in the Arts. The biennial awards, established in 1970 by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, bring recognition to Idaho’s exceptional artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. Awardees are Idaho residents who have made significant contributions to the cultural life of Idaho and to the arts, through their creative accomplishments or distinguished service. Awards will be presented by Gov. Brad Little and first lady Teresa Little in a public ceremony in January. The event time and location are forthcoming.

The recipients are:

Excellence in Arts Education: Jon Swarthout, founder and president of TRICA, Boise.

Excellence in Folk and Traditional Arts: Dr. Kirby Orme, rawhide braider, Star.

Excellence in The Arts: Dave LaMure Jr., sculptor, Kimberly.

Excellence in Arts Administration: Christian Housel, principal, Idaho Fine Arts Academy, Meridian.

Support of the Arts: Terri Dillion, audio descriptor, Boise.

The Idaho Commission on the Arts, a state agency under the Office of the Governor, enables access to the arts, arts education, and Idahoans’ cultural and artistic heritage.