2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) – Honorees
ArtsWA is thrilled to announce the 2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award honorees.
Arts Awards
Individual Artist | Yegizaw (Yeggy) Michael
Organization | One Reel
Legacy | Robb Hunt
Advocacy | Dow Constantine
Community Organization | MusicWorks4Veterans
Individual | Yvonne A.K. Johnson
Heritage Awards
Individual | Carol Emarthle-Douglas
Individual | Deepti Agrawal
Organization | Historic Lincoln Theatre
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. Your stories revealed the amazing arts-based work being done to lift people up across the state. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more news about these honorees and the digital celebration.
We invite you to watch a special virtual presentation of the 2022 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. Meet the nine extraordinary honorees who are working to keep arts and heritage vibrant across Washington State.
Carol Emarthle-Douglas (Heritage Individual)
Karen Hanan and Yvonne A.K. Johnson
Yvonne A.K. Johnson (Arts Individual – Organization)
Karen Hanan and MusicWorks4Veterans’ John Selzler
MusicWorks4Veterans’ John Selzler (Arts Community Organization)
Karen Hanan and Megan Adams (accepting for Robb Hunt)
Megan Adams, accepting for Robb Hunt (Arts Legacy)
Karen Hanan and One Reel’s Marty Griswold
One Reel’s Marty Griswold (Arts Organization)
Karen Hanan and Yeggy Michael
Audience members taking photos of the ceremony
Yeggy Michael (Arts Individual)
Karen Hanan and Kate Becker (accepting for Dow Constantine)
Kate Becker, accepting for Dow Constantine (Arts Advocacy)
Audience members at the ceremony
Michael Greer, President & CEO of ArtsFund
Governor Jay Insleee
Governor Jay Inslee
Honorees at the ceremony
Yvonne A.K. Johnson (Arts Individual – Organization)
Roger Gietzen, Executive Director of Historic Lincoln Theatre (Heritage Organization)
Deepti Agrawal (Heritage Individual)
Megan Adams, accepting for Robb Hunt (Arts Legacy)
Carol Emarthle-Douglas (Heritage Individual)
Kate Becker, accepting for Dow Constantine (Arts Advocacy)
Emcee Tony Gomez
Governor Jay Inslee meeting with honorees
Governor Jay Inslee with the 2022 honorees
Governor Inslee shaking hands with MusicWorks4Veterans’ John Selzler
Governor Jay Inslee meeting with honorees
Governor Jay Inslee meeting with honorees
Governor Jay Inslee with Karen Hanan and the event sponsors
Attendees sign the Governor’s residence guest book
Attendees mingle at the residence
ArtsWA Board chair Justin Raffa speaking with ArtsFund President & CEO Michael Greer
Rep. Bill Ramos (5th Legislative District) and his guest
Glass awards, created by Hilltop Artists
Members of the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners
One Reel’s Marty Griswold (Arts Organization) with guests
Yeggy Michael (Arts Individual) and guests
Yeggy Michael (Arts Individual) and guests
Yvonne A.K. Johnson (Arts Individual – Organization) and guests
Historic Lincoln Theatre’s Roger Gietzen (Heritage Organization) and guests
Carol Emarthle-Douglas (Heritage Individual) and guests
Deepti Agrawal (Heritage Individual) and guests
Karen Hanan and Roger Gietzen
Historic Lincoln Theatre’s Roger Gietzen (Heritage Organization)
Karen Hanan and Deepti Agrawal
Deepti Agrawal (Heritage Individual)
Livestream Presentation: the 2021 Luminary Awards
The 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Luminary Awards streamed live on Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. PST on YouTube. We invite everyone to enjoy this free presentation.
2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) – Honorees
ArtsWA is thrilled to announce the 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Luminary Award honorees.
Spotlight honoree | The Governor’s Spotlight award is given to an individual chosen by the Governor for their extraordinary use of the arts and humanities to benefit their community during the pandemic. Join us in celebrating:
Governor’s Spotlight | Delbert Richardson
Regional honorees | These exceptional individuals and organizations used the arts and humanities to shine a light for their communities during the darkness of the pandemic. Join us in celebrating:
Southwest Region | Organization – Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Southwest Region | Individual – Douglas Orr
Central Region | Organization – Gallery One
Eastern Region | Organization – Spokane Valley Summer Theatre
Eastern Region | Individual – Jeremy Whittington
Northwest Region | Organization – Path with Art
Northwest Region | Individual – Akuyea Karen Vargas
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. Your stories revealed the amazing arts-based work being done to lift people up across the state.
Special Thanks to Our 2022 Event Sponsors
About the Awards
The Governor’s Arts Awards, established in 1966, recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts and cultural development of Washington State.
The Governor’s Heritage Awards, established in 1989, honor outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication to preserving and promoting traditions and cultural heritage are worthy of state recognition.