In 2023, in celebration of 15 years of work since our organization’s beginnings, River Arts Alliance decided to honor people, past and present, who have made a significant impact on the arts and culture in the Winona area. Five individuals who were instrumental to the foundation and ongoing work of RAA were recognized as “Champions of the Arts” last year: Heidi Bryant, Julia Crozier, Vicki Englich, Greg Peterson and the late Bernadette Mahfood (photo above by Mary Farrell).

Our next set of Champions of the Arts are being chosen this fall and will be recognized at our second annual soup and pie fundraiser and celebration event on December 6. RAA members and the general public are invited to nominate individuals you think should receive this recognition; final selections will be approved by RAA’s Board of Directors. Please submit nominations for 2024 by no later than November 11; later submissions will be considered for future years.