The Ordway Center for Performing Arts honored a new group of arts champions during the 2015 Sally Awards on Monday, June 22.

Since 1992, the annual award ceremony honors individuals and institutions who advocate for and enrich the arts community in Minnesota. Five honorees are recognized each year in five categories: Commitment, Education, Vision, Initiative and Access.

2015 Sally Awards honorees include:

Commitment – Cynthia Gehrig

Education – The Steeles

The Steele family has dedicated time to educating and inspiring young musicians for years. Watch the five siblings perform and discuss their multi-faceted careers in the MN Original segment below.

Vision – American Composers Forum

The American Composers Forum has been connecting composers and communities for 40 years. The organization works to provide new opportunities for composers and their music to flourish, and engage communities in the creation, performance and enjoyment of new music.

Initiative – Theresa Sweetland of the Minnesota Museum of American Art

At the MMAA, Theresa Sweetland is responsible for “ developing relationships with new and current funders in both the public and private sectors, direct fundraising, growing membership, and elevating the museum’s impact and visibility through marketing and communications.”

Access – Edge Center for the Arts

The Edge is a state of the art center in the middle of the north woods which presents wildly unexpected art that changes lives.

Congratulations to all the honorees and thank you to the work you’ve done to support the arts in Minnesota!