LUBBOCK, TX (LHUCA) – The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) invites the community to attend the Celebrating the Arts Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. on the LHUCA Plaza Stage, held in conjunction with the monthly First Friday Art Trail. This free, public event honors outstanding individuals and organizations whose work has significantly enriched the arts across the South Plains.
The evening will recognize a distinguished group of award recipients:
LHUCA Outstanding Arts Educator Award Awardee, Brenda Parker(Provided by LHUCA)
The LHUCA Outstanding Arts Educator Award will be presented to Brenda Parker, whose 29-year teaching career reflects a deep commitment to student growth, creativity, and personal development. After studying studio art at Texas Tech University, she returned to earn her teaching certification and pursued graduate work in museum management. Over nearly three decades, including 19 years at the high school level, Parker has also mentored more than 55 student teachers and helped shape the next generation of arts educators.
William D. Kerns Award for the Performing Arts Awardee, Dr. Bill Gelber(Provided by LHUCA)
The William D. Kerns Award for the Performing Arts will honor Dr. Bill Gelber, Professor of Theatre at Texas Tech University. Gelber teaches acting, directing, and theatre history, with expertise spanning Shakespeare to modern dramatists such as Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett. He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre History from the University of Texas at Austin and has directed more than 60 productions across a wide range of genres, in addition to authoring books on theatre practice and pedagogy.
William D. Kerns Award for the Visual Arts Awardee, Jonathan Whitfill(Provided by LHUCA)
The William D. Kerns Award for the Visual Arts will be awarded to Jonathan Whitfill, a sculptor and educator whose work has been exhibited across seventeen states as well as internationally in France and China. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Whitfill is the founder of several artist-run initiatives and currently works full-time creating public sculpture, developing new studio work, and advancing creative collaborations throughout the region.
William D. Kerns Award for the Visual Arts Awardee, Sara Marie Waters (1948–2024)(Provided by LHUCA)
Also receiving the William D. Kerns Award for the Visual Arts posthumously is Sara Marie Waters (1948–2024), whose distinguished career as both an artist and educator spanned nearly four decades at Texas Tech University. Her work was widely published and supported through numerous grants and international residencies. Known for her mentorship and hands-on teaching style, Waters inspired generations of students while also contributing significantly to the regional arts community, including helping establish the Slaton Art Fair.
LHUCA Catalyst Awardee, Alycyn Keeling of The Wallace Theater(Provided by LHUCA)
The LHUCA Catalyst Award will be presented to Alycyn Keeling, Executive Director of The Wallace Theater. Under Keeling’s leadership, the historic Levelland venue underwent a transformative $5.7 million restoration, reopening as a vibrant nonprofit hub for performing arts and arts education. Keeling previously worked in national education policy and continues to serve in leadership roles supporting arts and historic theater initiatives.
During the ceremony, LHUCA’s Young Representatives for the Arts program will also be recognized. This program reflects LHUCA’s ongoing commitment to supporting arts education and providing meaningful platforms for young artists to share their work with the community and civic leaders. Selected artworks created by Lubbock ISD students will be formally presented to representatives from the offices of Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, State Representative Carl Tepper, and State Senator Charles Perry. The Robert Ellis Patterson Art Award Scholarship will also be presented to a graduating senior from the region who plans to pursue the arts at the college level.
The Celebrating the Arts Awards Ceremony underscores LHUCA’s mission to cultivate and celebrate all the arts by inspiring creativity and engaging with the community. Families, educators, community members, and art enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and celebrate the artistic accomplishments of Lubbock’s arts community while enjoying the dynamic atmosphere of the First Friday Art Trail.
Event Details:
What: Celebrating the Arts Awards Ceremony
When: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Where: LHUCA Plaza Stage
Admission: Free and open to the public
For more information, please visit LHUCA or follow updates on social media.
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