Photos by Redwolf
Each year, the Greater Augusta Arts Council recognizes outstanding members of the Augusta community for their support and contributions to the arts. This year, we share a new, expanded list of categories and respective recipients from the 2025 Arts Awards.
Przemyslaw Kordys – Kath Girdler Engler Public Arts Award
Przemyslaw Kordys, widely known as PK, is a Polish-born sculptor, lead artist and owner of Da Vinci Studio Design. PK specializes in a diverse range of sculpture styles, from classical to modern and abstract works.
One of his notable contributions to public art is “The Flame,” an abstract sculpture installed on the lower level of Augusta’s Riverwalk. Additionally, PK crafted an 8-foot-tall sculpture — a pair of herons — that now resides at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.
Beachview Tent Rentals – Arts Sponsor
Beachview Event Rentals & Design is a premier provider of event rental services, offering a wide array of tents, custom draping, flooring, staging, lighting and furniture. General Manager Jim Dalton oversees the operations, ensuring the company’s commitment to excellence.
Under Dalton’s leadership, Beachview has become a trusted partner for various events, most notably for the Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival, providing high-quality rentals that enhance the ambiance and functionality of any occasion.
Maddie Cartwright – Emerging Artist
A gifted visual artist and thoughtful storyteller, Maddie Cartwright uses her work to express her experiences, dreams and unique view of the world. Her ability to translate emotion into visual form is powerful and promising — a signal of a bright future in the arts.
Whether participating in youth exhibitions, collaborating with peers or diving into new techniques with curiosity and courage, Cartwright brings passion and purpose to her practice. She represents the next generation of artists who will shape our cultural landscape with authenticity, innovation and bold imagination.
Cliff Bennett – Media
Cliff Bennett is the promotions director at WRDW/WAGT and the host and producer of the lifestyle shows Morning Mix and Mix at 3. A lifelong resident of the Savannah River Region, Bennett has been deeply involved in the arts, particularly music and theatre, for more than three decades.
Bennett’s career in media began in radio, where he held various positions. In 2020, he transitioned to television, joining WRDW-TV as creative services director and co-hosting Morning Mix.
Bennett is also an active community member, participating in numerous concerts, festivals and charitable events, and performing with his band RedHeaded Stepchild.
A.B. Osborne – Arts Educator
A.B. Osborne is the director of the animation program and an associate professor in the Department of Art and Design at Augusta University. He played a pivotal role in launching the university’s animation program in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience in various media platforms, including technical and medical animation, classic cartoons and video game development.
His teaching interests encompass 3D animation, 3D modeling, game development, technical animation and rigging, production animation and more. Osborne’s dedication to education and innovation in the arts was recognized with the 2024 Teaching Excellence Award from Augusta University.
Denise King – Arts Volunteer
For more than 18 years, Denise King has been the heartbeat behind nearly every event hosted by the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Her unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit and radiant attitude have made her not only a dependable volunteer, but a beloved member of the GAAC family.
King is the definition of “one call, that’s all.” Whether it’s rain or shine, large-scale festivals or intimate gatherings, she shows up with grace, grit and a heart fully invested. She has given her time and talents even through personal illness and adversity, never missing a beat in her service to others.
Roy Lewis – Non-profit
A distinguished figure in the Augusta arts community, Roy Lewis is the artistic director of the Augusta Junior Players. With more than three decades of experience in theater education, Lewis has profoundly influenced youth theater in the region.
Lewis’ teaching philosophy emphasizes personal growth through theater. He focuses on helping students discover their identities and develop life skills such as collaboration, resilience and empathy. His commitment to inclusive storytelling is evident in his direction of productions like Ruby: The Ruby Bridges Story, which educate and inspire both performers and audiences.
Justin Hayes – Culinary
Chef Justin Hayes is a celebrated culinary artist and the visionary behind Inicio, an immersive fine dining experience nestled within Cork & Flame in Evans. Hayes has garnered acclaim for his innovative approach to progressive American cuisine, seamlessly blending global inspirations with locally sourced ingredients.
At Inicio, Hayes curates meticulously crafted multi-course tasting menus that engage all the senses. The intimate setting offers limited seating, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention. Dishes often spotlight wild game and seasonal produce, reflecting Hayes’ commitment to sustainability and his passion for innovative culinary artistry.
Corey Rogers – History/Preservation
Corey Rogers, executive director of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, has a deep commitment to preserving and promoting African American heritage. Rogers has been instrumental in bringing the rich history of Augusta’s Black community to the forefront.
One of his most notable contributions is the Golden Blocks project, a collaborative initiative between the Lucy Craft Laney Museum and the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Rogers also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Golden Blocks Legends comic book series, an educational tool to engage younger audiences with the city’s Black history.
Rogers is a vital force in educating the public about Augusta’s Black heritage and its significance.
Krys Bailey – Entertainment
Serving as the executive director of Le Chat Noir since 2011, Krys Bailey is a prominent figure in Augusta’s theater scene. He is a co-founder of Schrodinger’s Cat — Le Chat Noir’s resident improv comedy troupe — which fosters a vibrant improv scene in Augusta.
In addition to his work at Le Chat Noir, Bailey is an accomplished voice actor. He has lent his voice to various productions, including the podcast “Gather by the Ghost Light,” showcasing his versatility and commitment to storytelling in multiple formats.
Bailey’s dedication to theater is also evident in his directorial work. He has directed several notable productions at Le Chat Noir, such as Urinetown, a satirical musical that received acclaim for its sharp wit and engaging performances.
Lucinda Clark – Literary
As the founder of the Poetry Matters Project, Lucinda Clark has dedicated more than 25 years to promoting poetry and supporting creative artists through various initiatives.
Clark’s literary works include the “View from the Middle of the Road” series, a collection of poetry anthologies that showcase diverse voices and perspectives. She has also collaborated with poets of all ages to publish multiple anthologies, with another set anticipated for release by the end of this year.
In recognition of her impactful work, Clark received the Ira E. Harrison Social Issues Poetry Award (Honorable Mention) from the Georgia Poetry Society in 2022 and the Best Short Film Producer award at the Indiefare International Film Festival for her film, Black People Don’t Tango.
Mark Albertin – Digital Design/Photography
With a career spanning more than two decades, Mark Albertin has been capturing and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the South through visual and narrative storytelling.
His documentaries have been featured on PBS and showcased at film festivals nationwide. In 2022, he was honored with the Susan A.K. Shaffer Humanitarian Award at the Beaufort International Film Festival for his documentary Sacred Waters – The Okefenokee in Peril, highlighting the ecological significance and threats facing the Okefenokee Swamp.
Through his photographic work that often centers on the overlooked rural landscapes and ecosystems of the South, Albertin continues to inspire appreciation for the area’s rich cultural and natural landscapes, blending artistry with advocacy.
Jordan Ariel Batin – Fashion
Jordan Ariel Batin is a passionate sewing educator and the founder of My Best Friend’s Sewing Room, a vibrant creative space in Martinez. Since opening her studio in 2014, Batin has taught sewing as both a practical life skill and a form of artistic expression.
Batin is committed to community service. She has organized sewing circles to create items for local charities, including pillowcases for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta and crate pads for animal rescues. Her goal is to instill a love for sewing in the next generation, not only as a valuable skill but also as a means of giving back.
Barbara Feldman – Visionary Leadership
Barbara Feldman is an architect of imagination. As the founder and guiding force behind Storyland Theatre, she has dedicated her life to enriching Augusta’s cultural landscape and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the transformative power of live theatre. For more than 30 years, Feldman has been the heartbeat of Storyland, inspiring wonder, curiosity and joy in generations of young audiences.
Feldman exemplifies what it means to be visionary: to dream boldly, to serve humbly and to build something beautiful that lasts.
Tiphiknee De Herrera – Visual Artist
Tiphiknee De Herrera is a contemporary visual artist recognized for her eclectic and evocative works that blend elements of surrealism, sensuality and the macabre. Her artistic repertoire includes oil and acrylic paintings, graphite drawings and digital art.
De Herrera’s art has been featured in various exhibitions and festivals. Notably, her piece “Contemplation” was showcased at the 2025 ArtFields Art Competition in Lake City, S.C.
Beyond exhibitions, De Herrera contributes to the local arts scene through workshops and live painting demonstrations. She co-led a three-day drawing and painting workshop alongside artists A.C. Daniel and Alex Foltz, focusing on techniques from initial sketches to detailed painting.
Christine Miller-Betts – Lifetime Achievement
Christine Miller-Betts was a towering figure in Augusta’s cultural and civic life. A founding force behind the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Miller-Betts was instrumental in bringing forward the stories that were too often left out of the broader narrative.
Her advocacy and vision helped establish the museum as not just a repository of history, but a dynamic center for cultural education and celebration. Miller-Betts’ work inspired artists, students and community members alike. Ms. Betts died on June 5, 2025. Her award was received by her daughter, Carol.
Steven Kendrick – President’s Award
Steven Kendrick is the kind of leader who uplifts a room just by walking into it. He embodies the spirit of collaboration and civic pride whether serving Augusta-Richmond County, championing youth engagement or supporting local cultural efforts. Kendrick brings clarity, compassion and commitment to everything he touches.
Kendrick understands the role of creativity in shaping strong communities and has used his platform to advocate for accessible, impactful programming in the region.
Seen in the August/September 2025 issue of Augusta magazine.
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