The event will begin with food and drinks at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will gather to honor this year’s awardees, each recognized for their unique impact on the local arts community.

The community nominates the recipients who are chosen based on their important contribution to the growth of Dutchess County’s cultural life over a significant period of time, the extraordinary support they show for the arts, and/or their vision and leadership in using the arts to enhance community life.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “What I’ve always loved about the arts is how they connect us – whether it’s through a performance that moves us, a mural that makes us pause, or a song that brings back a memory. In Dutchess County, creativity is a part of who we are, and it’s our artists and cultural organizations who bring people together and give us so much to be proud of. The Arts Awards are a wonderful way to recognize their impact and celebrate the people whose talent and passion make our community the place it is.”

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Location: Curry Estate, 2737 NY-52, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Time: 5:30 p.m. – Food & Drinks; 7:00 p.m. – Awards Presentation

Tickets: Available at artsmidhudson.org/dc-arts-awards or by calling 845.454.3222.

This year’s awards are divided into 9 categories:

2025 Dutchess County Arts Executive’s Arts Awards Recipients:

Artivist: Nikki Hung

Nikki Hung is a multidisciplinary Artist, Photographer and Curator. A lifelong Hudson Valley resident, Nikki has spent much of her art career peering through the lens of a camera, capturing the craggy underbelly of Hudson Valley landscapes, and highlighting the beauty of abandoned properties and local cemeteries. In 2018, she joined WomensWork.Art, a fledgling community art space founded by Nansi Lent, eventually stepping up as Gallery Director. Since then, Nikki has navigated the hurdles and challenges of the Hudson Valley’s Contemporary Art Scene, and transformed WomensWork.Art into an community art space dedicated to serving and uplifting the works of Women, Femme, Non-Binary and Marginalized Artists- locally and nationwide.

Arts in Education: Carrie Decker

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY and raised in the Hudson Valley, Carrie earned her bachelor’s in art history at SUNY New Paltz. After moving to the New England area and working in technology, she continued to volunteer in several Museums. Relocating back to the city of Poughkeepsie, she founded Crazy Over ART on tour five years ago, a non-profit art mobile that brings art to communities with limited access in the creative field. She completed her master’s in special education in the summer of 2024.

Arts Organization: Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra

Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra was formed in 2006 to bring live orchestral music to northern Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley area. To accomplish this goal, we perform music from many genres with both local and internationally acclaimed soloists and musical groups at a variety of venues around the Hudson Valley. With a long tradition of children’s concerts and pre-concert talks, we aim to educate as well as entertain our audiences. Now in our nineteenth season, we offer the best possible live performances of classical music at family-affordable prices.

Business: Splash Art Murals

Brian Zickafoose is an award-winning artist, muralist, and founder of Splash Art Murals. With a passion for transforming public spaces, Brian has created murals and window art for businesses and communities across the Hudson Valley, blending storytelling with vibrant visuals. He co-founded Art Day in the Village, fostering community engagement through art. His work, including the Funk Generations painting featured in Beverly Hills Cop 4, bridges fine art, public art, and cultural heritage. Through Splash Art Murals, Brian continues to enrich the region, making art accessible and impactful for businesses and residents alike.

Individual Artist: Jessica Licciardello

Jessica Licciardello is an artist, designer, and musician with a 20-year history in the Hudson Valley and New York City arts scene. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Art History from Marist University, and early in her career she worked at the Barrett Art Center and Dia Beacon. In 2019, as BELLA Magazine’s Creative Director, she wrote a national article highlighting the vibrant arts and culture found here in the Hudson Valley. A frequent traveler, she now represents the region globally serving as an Art Director and Producer for top brands and companies. Her 2025 exhibition, 8 Minutes to Freedom at Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, was the culmination of over a decade of work, serving as a testament to resilience, creativity, and hope.

ThinkDIFFERENTLY in the Arts: Lonely Worm Farm

Lonely Worm Farm is dedicated to the arts, ecology, and inclusion. We provide people with developmental disabilities a place to connect with nature and each other, offer volunteer and paid employment opportunities, and give instruction in a wide variety of art and agriculture practices. Art projects often spring from the soil. We gather clay from our ponds and experiment with plant fibers for paper making and weaving. Our garden features some of our sculptural creations and our gallery showcases a selection of works we have created together. We welcome folks from diverse backgrounds and abilities to participate, contribute and enjoy the beauty of our land.

Patron in the Arts: Sue Hartshorn

I believe participating in the arts, regardless of the medium, can enhance a person’s self esteem, initiate meaningful conversations, and provide interactions between individuals that would not be possible otherwise. Some encounters with an art object or event bring a visceral response to the viewer while other encounters begin constructive dialogues. I have been fortunate to meet many of them when they were beginning their careers, expanding their careers or creating for their own pleasure. I thank each of you for providing a resource for improving our understanding of our community and environment.

Special Citation: Lou Trapani, Posthumously

As Artistic & Managing Director from 1999 to 2023, visionary leader Lou Trapani directed and performed in countless productions, taught workshops, and mentored hundreds of students. Lou was renowned for his annual portrayal of Scrooge in his adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Lou was instrumental in the creation of The CENTER’s Black Box space, envisioning it as a creative haven for emerging artists to experiment and showcase their work. Lou was also a devoted writer, working on novels in recent years. He savored fine wine and had a passion for film and television, often engaging in spirited discussions about his favorite stories and actors. His legacy will resonate through the productions, people, and memories he has left behind.

Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts: Madelyn McCormack

Madelyn McCormack started dancing at the age of two at Cherilyn’s School of Dance (CSOD) in Pleasant Valley. She started competing for them at age 10 and continued until graduating high school in 2023. Since then, Madelyn has stayed a part of CSOD as a dance teacher. Besides teaching, Madelyn is currently active in the dance world as a member and choreographer for the Marist Dance Ensemble, and as a dancer professionally for Encompass Dance Collective. She takes inspiration from all her former dance teachers, who are now coworkers and friends, and hopes to share that inspiration with all of her students. As for future plans, Madelyn would like to continue teaching and performing dance throughout the community.