29 Dec 2025 ACANSA announces Ninth Annual Charlotte Gadberry Award Celebration

Posted at 8:03 PMh in News by

CENTRAL ARKANSAS — John Gaudin has been selected as the 2026 recipient of ACANSA’s Charlotte Gadberry Award.

Corky Patton (from left) and John Gaudin. Matthew Sewell Photography.

He and Corky Patton will receive the award during the organization’s Ninth Charlotte Gadberry Award Celebration which is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 4, at Argenta Contemporary Theatre. 

Named in honor of the founder of ACANSA Arts Festival of the South, the Charlotte Gadberry Award celebrates individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the arts and the Central Arkansas community.

Proceeds from the event support ACANSA’s arts education programs for young Arkansans, including ACANSA’s Free Spring Break Arts Camps, workshops and master classes during the three-week ACANSA Arts Festival of the South held annually in September. Proceeds also fund special events for youth.

Individual tickets for the award celebration are $150. Visit acansa.org or contact Leslie Golden, ACANSA’s executive director, at [email protected] or 501.663.2287 for more information, tickets and sponsorships.

Prior Awardees are Charlotte Gadberry (inaugural event), Linda Newbern, Sharon Heflin, Craig O’Neill, Garbo Hearne and Dr. Archie Hearne III, Vincent Insalaco, Melissa and Martin Thoma and Jeanne and Barry Hyde.