[MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – MARCH 5, 2026] – The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the 2026 Champions of the Arts™ Awards. Recipients were selected through a community-driven process, with nominations submitted by the public and reviewed by a panel of esteemed past Champions, including Alfredo Avila, Jose Arreola, Shirmaine Jones of Arts Habitat, and Tammy Lynne Hall.
This signature event serves as a vital fundraiser for Arts4MC’s art programs, which bring creative enrichment to Monterey County residents, from veterans to at-risk youth.
Arts4MC is thrilled to celebrate this year's honorees:
La Guelaguetza, Salinas (District 1): Local celebration preserving Oaxacan cultural traditions
HollyAnn Isaac (District 2): Middle School Art Teacher
Jamie Jones (District 3): High School Theater Teacher & Sol Treasures Board Member
Hanif Panni (District 4): Muralist & Multi-Media Artist
Carl Cherry Center for the Arts (District 5): Cultural hub of performing and fine arts
And this year, we are pleased to include a special Lifetime Achievement Award presented to:
Roberta "Bertie" Bialeck Elliott: For her philanthropy and support of the arts in our community
“Our 2026 honorees represent the soul of Monterey County,” says Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director. “From cultural heritage to the global impact of public murals, these champions remind us that the arts are the heartbeat of our community.”
The celebration takes place Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Monterey Marriott. This year, guests are invited to embrace the spirit of Hawaii through “Island Chic,” with florals, linen, and vibrant elegance. Check-in and networking begin at 8:30 AM, followed by the official program at 9:00 AM. Individual Tickets are $75 and $750 for a table of ten. Ticket sales close on April 12 or when sold out.
For tickets, and more information, visit arts4mc.org/champions-of-the-arts
Congratulations 2026 Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award
Roberta "Bertie" Bialeck Elliott, is celebrated for a legacy that treats community building as a true art form. A visionary patron of the Carmel Bach Festival, the Monterey Symphony, and the Pacific Repertory Theatre, among others, Bertie has spent decades composing a more vibrant, soulful region through the art of philanthropy. We celebrate Bertie for her bold spirit and for a lifetime spent ensuring that the arts, and the people who love them, have a place to flourish.
Champions of the Arts™
La Guelaguetza, Salinas (D1) is celebrated for beautifully weaving the enduring heritage of Oaxacan indigenous traditions into the very fabric of the Salinas Valley. More than just a festival, it is a living testament to identity and resilience, rooted in the Zapotec spirit of Guelaguetza—the profound joy of mutual support and collective giving. By bringing together elders, musicians, and dancers to share their ancestral stories, this grassroots movement creates a sanctuary of belonging and pride for the next generation, proving that when a community creates together, its culture doesn't just survive, it shines.
HollyAnn Isaac (D2) is a phenomenal educator at John Gutierrez Middle School whose leadership in large-scale student murals and vibrant campus art fairs empowers students to find their creative voices. Beyond the classroom, she is a dedicated advocate for the arts, regularly hosting the Inside Education Monterey County cohort to demonstrate how sustained arts funding and meaningful instruction are essential to a well-rounded education. Her commitment to fostering student confidence and community connection makes her a truly inspiring nominee for recognition.
Jamie Jones (D3) is a powerhouse of arts advocacy whose leadership as the Sol Treasures theater chair has been vital to the growth of regional productions. In just one year at King City High School, she quadrupled drama participation and strategically utilized Prop 28 funds to launch the district’s first full musical theater program in decades. A master of both performance and technical craft, she co-created South County's definitive stage management handbook and continues to mentor the next generation of creators. She doesn't just champion the arts, she champions the artists themselves.
Hanif Panni (D4) is a powerhouse multidisciplinary artist whose murals tackle vital social and environmental themes across Monterey County. He gained international acclaim for his photorealistic boat mural—a clever exercise in creative compliance that became a global sensation. A nine-time "Best Club DJ" and lead singer of The Bassment, Hanif seamlessly blends fine art, music, and new media through immersive museum residencies. From large-scale public installations to community-focused street art, his mastery across diverse creative fields makes him a singular, transformative force in the region’s cultural landscape.
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts (D5) has been a vital creative beacon in Carmel-by-the-Sea for over 75 years. This unique hub unites diverse disciplines, from visual arts and theater to poetry, within an intimate gallery and sculpture garden that remains free to the public. Beyond its historic roots, the Cherry is a dedicated advocate for the next generation, hosting annual regional competitions and workshops for Monterey County high school students. By bridging contemporary social issues with artistic expression, the Cherry continues to foster deep, meaningful connections between artists and the community.
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