On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Shawn Pierce, Chairman of the Commission for Arts and Culture for the City of Rochester, presented the 2026 recipients of the Rochester Arts Awards to the City Council. A public reception will be held at RPAC, located at 32 North Main Street, on Monday, September 21, at 6:00 pm.

To see the presentation, click here (Timestamp: 1:12:44)

Art Awards Recipients:

Debs Grammatic – Rochester Resident
For creating and choreographing an original ballet titled The Moonspinners Mystery for Sole City Dance, performed at Rochester Opera House.

Mr. Sippy’s BBQ – Cecil Ables
For presenting an outdoor music series that brings artists and culture to Rochester and is a prime example of how the arts are helping to revitalize the city of Rochester.

Parcel the Python – Postal Center, USA & Holidays on the Hill
For organizing the popular community youth art project titled “Parcel the Python,” where young people were encouraged to paint rocks and place them in the garden outside of Postal Center, USA.

Brad Marino
Representing Rochester with pride while partnering with local businesses and non-profits like Back Hill Beer, Co. and Rochester Main Street to bring live music to the people of Rochester.

Mud City Clay
For offering free pottery-making classes at the Rochester Library.

Corinne Allaire – Corinne’s School of Dance
For 37+ years of dedication to the art of dance in Rochester.

John Gisis
For documenting Rochester as it currently exists, especially the downtown area, from a unique aerial perspective. His photographs act as accessible public art that strengthens community pride and preserves local history for the future.