[image: Hilltop Artists Awards staff signature.png] <https://hilltopartists.org/events/bfl-awards-mog/> Inaugural Hilltop Artists Awards Event Celebrates Partnership, Legacy, and the Power of Youth Creativity <https://hilltopartists.org/events/bfl-awards-mog/> Tacoma, WA (July 16, 2025)—On Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 11am to 2pm, Hilltop Artists will host its inaugural *Hilltop Artists Awards: A Celebration of Gratitude, Legacy, and Possibility* at the Museum of Glass. This new annual event recognizes the individuals and partnerships that make Hilltop Artists’ mission possible—connecting youth to better futures through glass art. Set against the backdrop of the Museum’s Hot Shop, the ceremony celebrates the depth and impact of community collaboration and mentorship. Executive Director Dr. Kimberly Keith will open the program, highlighting Hilltop Artists’ long-standing relationship with the Museum of Glass and showcasing the student artists currently taking part in our summer residency. These students are crafting centerpieces for the upcoming *Better Futures Luncheon on October 7th*—works that embody the creative growth and teamwork at the heart of the Hilltop Artists’ experience. The event honors volunteers, school and nonprofit partners, donors, and staff, with tributes to long-term board members *Syd Bersante*, *Forrest Griek*, and *Doug Page*. At the heart of the program are the Greg Awards, presented to individuals whose service reflects the compassion and dedication of beloved artists and educators Greg Piercy and Greg Owen. This year’s *Greg Piercy Award* recipient is *Luis Sanchez*, Teaching Artist and Program Manager for Team Production & After-School, recognized for his steady mentorship and transformative presence in the studio. *The Greg Owen Award *goes to *Donna Williamson*, a veteran, artist, and volunteer whose unwavering commitment to community and creativity has made a lasting impact on students and staff alike. A special recognition will also be given to longtime volunteer *Rob Ross*, in honor of both his ongoing support and in memory of his late wife, *Jill Karon-Ross*, who was a cherished member of the Hilltop Artists family. In a show of deep appreciation, Hilltop Artists will spotlight the decades-long support of *Dale and Leslie Chihuly, Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Garden and Glass*, and *The Dale & Leslie Chihuly Foundation*—partners whose vision and generosity have helped fuel three decades of youth-centered programming. The event also kicks off the 2025 *Better Futures Season*, a series of community celebrations leading up to the annual Better Futures Luncheon on October 7. Hilltop Artists invites the public to join in uplifting young artists and continuing this vital work—one relationship, one opportunity, and one spark at a time. *Charlotte Berry* Engagement & Communications Manager *HILLTOP ARTISTS <https://www.hilltopartists.org/>* she/her/hers | charli@hilltopartists.org | set a meeting <https://calendly.com/charli_hta/30min> | c: 253-571-7692 On spuyaləpabš/Puyallup and Coast Salish <http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/ourtribe/Land%20Acknowledgement.php> land [image: https://hilltopartists.org/events/bfl-awards-mog/] <https://hilltopartists.org/events/bfl-awards-mog/> <https://hilltopartists.org/email-sign-up/> <https://hilltopartists.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/hilltopartists> <https://www.instagram.com/hilltopartists> <https://www.tiktok.com/@hilltopartists> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilltop-artists/> <https://www.youtube.com/user/HilltopArtists> [image: https://hilltopartists.org/donate] <https://hilltopartists.org/donate> *Using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures.*