09/25/2024
Each year, Joplin Arts Fest artists have the opportunity to receive an award. We'd like to give a big thanks to Leslie Forrester, the 2024 JAF judge (bio below), who awarded:
-2D Merit Award to Randall Kronblad
-3D Merit Award to Kathryn Mustain
-Best 2D Artist to Keith Buswell
-Best 3D Artist to Linda Passeri
-Best of Show to Bob Aubuchon
Also, the Joplin Arts Fest Committee awarded Best Booth to Diana Carbajal. Congratulations, everyone!
More about the 2024 JAF Judge:
Leslie Forrester is the Executive Director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council (MO). With a mission of transforming lives and enriching the community through the arts, the organization focuses on arts advocacy, education, and collaboration. SRAC hosts Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street in the spring, which celebrated its 43rd year in 2024. She is also co-President of Missouri Citizens for the Arts, advocating for arts and culture across the state. Additionally, she serves as the Ghost Light Coordinator for the Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies. She was named 40 Under 40 by the Springfield Business Journal in 2015 and honored with the Diplomat Award by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2022. Leslie also teaches courses in Art History and Art Appreciation at OTC. In her spare time, she enjoys snuggling her wonderfully independent daughters, Evelyn and Charlotte.
