Depot Foundation

Circle of Friends

On Tuesday, May 7, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our community’s most dedicated artists and contributors at the Circle of Friends Arts and Culture Awards Celebration. Held annually at the historic Depot in Duluth, MN, this event shines a spotlight on those who have enriched our community through arts, culture, and history. Mark your calendars and be a part of this grand tradition, celebrating the heart and soul of our region’s vibrant arts scene. We look forward to you joining us at the 2025 Circle of Friends.

Circle of Friends Event Registration: CLOSED

John Marshall

Mark Boben

MN Historia:

Mike Scholtz, Hailey Eidenschink, and Steve Ash

Almanac North:

Julie Zenner and Greg Grell

Martin DeWitt

Carolyn Olson

2024

Winners

The Depot Foundation proudly celebrates the outstanding recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture Awards. These remarkable individuals and groups have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and creativity within the arts and culture sector of our region.

Make A Nomination

Impact Makers

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact in the arts and culture community in our region? It’s time they receive the recognition they deserve. Nominate them for an award and let their stories inspire others. With two decades of celebrating local talents, we’re eager to discover the next generation of art and culture impact makers.

Past Winners

Community Enrichment Award

2024 – Mark Boben
2023 – Brandon VanWaeyenberghe – DSSO
2021/2022 – Lee Stewart & CHUM
2020 – No Awards Given Due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – Pat Burns
2018 – John Werner
2017 – Betsy Holcomb
2016 – Jim Perlman
2015 – John Elliot
2014 – Bob DeArmond
2013 – Ken Buehler
2012 – Erin Aldridge
2011 – Alessandro Giuliani
2010 – Patricia Clure
2009 – Duluth Playhouse
2008 – Duluth Festival Opera
2007 – Samantha Gibb Roff
2006 – Duluth Children’s Museum
2005 – Clyde & Jean Olson
2004 – Cheng Khee Chee
2003 – Fred & Mary Lewis
2002 – Duluth Playhouse Children’s Theater Arts Program
2001 – John Steffl
2000 – Minnesota Ballet

Initiative Award

2024 – John Marshall
2023 – Philip Gilpin Jr – Catalyst Films
2021/2022 – Zeitgeist
2020 – No Awards Given Due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – Nathan Bentley
2018 – Christine Gradl Seitz
2017 – Dirk Meyer
2016 – Anne Dugan
2015 – William Payne
2014 – Christine Pelkey
2013 – Don Ness
2012 – Calland Metts & Sarah Lawrence
2011 – Kate Horvath
2010 – A.H. Zeppa Family Foundation
2009 – Christine Gradl Seitz
2008 – Art Works! Project of the Knight Creative Communities Initiative – Jon Heino & Kat Eldred
2007 – The Playground
2006 – Matinee Musicale
2005 – Jack Bowman
2004 – DSSO’s Youth & Family Concert-Old Turtle – Markand Thakar & Andrew Berryhill
2003 – Leo McDonnell
2002 – Patricia Lenz & Michael Spencer
2001 – No Award Given
2000 – Shirley Bergum
1999 – Initiative Award

Artist Award

2024 – Carolyn Olson
2023 – Moira Villiard
2021/2022 – Leah Yellowbird
2020 – No Awards Given Due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – LilaAnn Coates White
2018 – Adam Swanson
2017 – Kathy McTavish
2016 – Adam Sippola
2015 – Scott Murphy
2014 – Ann Gumpper
2013 – Anne Labovitz
2012 – Richard Gruchalla & Carrin Rosetti
2011 – Cheryl & Bob Husby
2010 – Karin Kraemer
2009 – Bill Bastian
2008 – Suzanne Kritzberg
2007 – Adu Gindy
2006 – Cecilia Lieder
2005 – David Lynas
2004 – Carla Stetson

Historic Preservation Award

2024 – MN Historia: Mike Scholtz, Hailey Eidenschink, Steve Ash
2023 – Dennis O’Hara
2021/2022 – Millissa Brooks-Ojibway
2020 – No Awards Given Due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – Emily Ford
2018 – Bill Majewski
2017 – Nancy S. Nelson
2016 – Doug Stevens
2015 – Penny Clark
2014 – No Award Given
2013 – Dan Hartman
2012 – Tony Dierckins
2011 – Dan McClelland
2010 – Patricia Maus
2009 – Tom Gannon
2008 – Dennis Lamkin
2007 – Bob Berg
2006 – Maryanne Norton
2005 – Dolly Schnell
2004 – Carolyn Sundquist

Lifetime Artist Award

2024 – Martin DeWitt
2023 – Bart Sutter
2021/2022 – Ann Aiko Bergeron
2020 – No Awards Given Due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – Jeffrey T. Larson
2018 – Jean B. Olson
2017 – Cheng Khee Chee
2016 – Ron Kari
2015 – No Award Given
2014 – Bill Shipley
2013 – David Salmela
2012 – Tom Isbell
2011 – Robert Gardner
2010 – John Salminen
2009 – Betty Brown
2008 – Carl Gawboy
2007 – Allen Fields
2006 – Ruth Dodge

Lifetime Achievement Award

2024 – Almanac North: Julie Zenner and Greg Grell
2023 – Mimi Parker & Alan Sparhawk – Low
2021/2022 – No Award Given
2020 – No Awards Given Due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – Jack & Jay Seiler
2018 – Bob & Sharon Wahman
2017 – Dick Fischer
2016 – Helana Jackson
2015 – Dennis Lamkin
2014 – Ken Schoen
2013 – Dan & Cathy Mundt
2012 – Laura Budd
2011 – Ruth Ann Eaton & Betsy Mason
2010 – John & Elaine Killen
2009 – Martha Alworth
2008 – Dr. Joseph & Frances Leek
2007 – John & Julie Sanford
2006 – Dr. Bernahard & Jean Boecker
2005 – Arthur & Mary Aufderheide
2004 – Francie McGiffert
2003 – Mary VanEvera
2002 – Ann & Robert Mars Jr.
2001 – Don Wirtanen
2000 – Elizabeth Adams

How To Apply

Application

Applying for the Arts & Culture Awards is a testament to one’s commitment to the enrichment of our community. If you or someone you know has made notable contributions to the local art and historical scene, we invite you to submit an application. Detailed guidelines and the application process can be found here. Let’s continue the tradition of honoring those who make our region more vibrant and creative.

Circle of Friends Gallery

How To Apply:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Circle of Friends Arts & Culture Awards?

The Circle of Friends Arts & Culture Awards is an annual event organized by the Depot Foundation to honor community members, artists, and others who contribute to local art and historical venues.

How long has the Depot Foundation been organizing this event?

The Depot Foundation has been celebrating the achievements of these individuals through the Arts & Culture Awards event since the year 2000.

What is the purpose of these awards?

The awards aim to recognize and celebrate those who make the St. Louis County Depot and the community more vibrant and creative.

When is the Circle of Friends Arts & Culture Awards event scheduled?

The event is scheduled annually in May.

What is the itinerary for the event?

5:00 p.m. – Arrival
5:30 p.m. – Awards ceremony
6:30 p.m. – Reception

Where will the event be held?

The event will take place at the historic St. Louis County Depot in Duluth, MN.

How can I get involved?

You can get more information by contacting info@depotfoundation.org

"The Depot Foundation, through its donors, has always been among our strongest supporters. Because of funding from the Depot Foundation we have new exhibits, restored equipment, better interpretation and a much richer guest/visitor experience."

"With 14 grants and over $450,000 over 13 years, the Depot Foundation helped the DAI support over 3,000 artists over 143 exhibitions. We appreciate the how the foundation helps pay artist’s stipends, gallery needs, and recently, scholarships for classes. Thank you donors!"

The Foundation has been there every step of the way to celebrate performances for out community inside the Depot’s many spaces. We are thrilled to have a partner such as the Foundation in this community.

The Depot Foundation has been Minnesota Ballet's steadfast partner for more than 40 years. Minnesota Ballet is so grateful for the Depot Foundation's commitment to preserving the Depot as a dynamic hub for the arts, culture and history.