ROCHESTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Celebrating Creative Excellence: 2025 Arts Award Recipients Announced

Aug 11, 2025

The Commission for Arts and Culture, for the City of Rochester, is proud to present the recipients of the 2025 Rochester Arts Awards.

These annual awards are an opportunity for the Commission to celebrate individuals, organizations, and events that make significant contributions to the vitality of our community.

According to chairperson Ashley Desrochers, the 2025 recipients embody the commission’s mission to highlight Rochesters rich heritage, foster a sense of civic pride, and strengthen the presence of the arts in everyday life.

“By identifying and promoting our citys artistic and cultural assets, we shine a light on the people and efforts that make Rochester a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative community,” said Desrochers. “Through their dedication, talent, and vision, they demonstrate the economic power of art and culture while facilitating deeper community engagement.”

The awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations:

  • Spaulding High School Music Department
    For facilitating community involvement in the arts; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing Rochesters cultural and artistic assets; and inspiring a sense of pride in the City of Rochester.
  • Mrs. Susan Abiatti
    For facilitating community involvement in the arts; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing Rochesters cultural and artistic assets; and inspiring a sense of pride in the City of Rochester.
  • Lila Dance Festival
    For highlighting Rochesters heritage and inspiring a sense of pride in the city; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing its cultural and artistic assets; and facilitating community involvement in the arts.
  • Ruth Caron of The Pottery Paddock
    For making pottery accessible to all through inclusive clay-throwing classes open to people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities.
  • Back Hill Beer Company
    For facilitating community involvement in the arts; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing Rochesters cultural and artistic assets; and recognizing the economic power of art and culture.

Members of the Commission for Arts and Culture will present the certificates at the upcoming City Council Workshop on August 19, 2025. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed. Visit www.rochesternh.gov to learn more.


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