Arts and Culture Subcommittee of the EDC

Artist of the Year Award

The Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Southbury Economic Development Commission proudly hosted the 2024 Southbury Arts Awards on Tuesday, November 19, at Riverview Cinemas. Sponsored by Riverview Cinemas and the Great Atlantic Trophy Company, with additional support from The Bevy Co. and Southbury Country Florist, the event celebrated Southbury’s vibrant creative community and honored the achievements of local artists who have significantly contributed to the town’s cultural landscape. The evening culminated with the announcement of two prestigious awards: Artist of the Year and the David K. Merrill Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award.

The finalists for Artist of the Year included Tammy Dunn, Faith Vicinanza, and Alejandra Pelaez Muñoz.

Tammy Dunn, a singer, songwriter, and visual artist, has dedicated her life to music and creativity. Recently, she opened The Cottage at Main, a local artisan space that supports over 120 creatives, showcasing their work, fostering creativity, and inspiring community engagement in a welcoming space.

Faith Vicinanza is an accomplished artist and writer. Appointed Southbury’s first poet laureate in 2022, she has been a master teaching artist, literary magazine editor, and poetry festival founder. With four poetry collections and a memoir in progress, she has competed in national and international poetry slams, directed the 1997 National Poetry Slam, and won the 2003 Arts Advocates Award. She also leads workshops, runs Vicinanza Studios and Gallery, works in cybersecurity, gardens, and competes in ballroom dancing.

Alejandra Pelaez Muñoz, originally from Medellín, Colombia, incorporates the beauty of her heritage and the natural landscapes of Southbury into her handmade, eco-friendly artwork, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

The 2024 Artist of the Year award was presented to Tammy Dunn, recognizing her dedication to fostering creativity and community through her artistic endeavors.

The David K. Merrill Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award was awarded to Faith Vicinanza for her decades-long contributions to the literary and artistic community, both locally and beyond.