The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture has announced the finalists for the 2026 Arts and Cultural Empowerment (ACE) Awards. Each year, the ACE Awards recognize artists, educators, volunteers, organizations, and community partners whose work makes a meaningful impact on arts and culture in Wichita Falls.

The 2026 finalists are:

Outstanding Arts Educator
Matthew Luttrell
Jennifer McLarty
Barbara Kavanaugh

Artist of the Year
Carissa Davis
Yasuyo Maruyama
Mitchell Welch

Nadine McKown Volunteer Service Award
Darla Diltz
Carol Rudd

Arts Champion
Carol Castro Ceramics
Collective Coffee
Wichita Falls Public Library

Distinguished Cultural Organization
Museum of North Texas History
Museum of Art at MSU Texas

Award recipients will be announced during the 2026 ACE Awards on Monday, October 19, at the MPEC. The event will also celebrate the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture’s 10th anniversary. This year’s keynote speaker is Angela Kinsey, best known for her role as Angela Martin on The Office.

Tickets are $50 and include lunch. More information is available at wichitafallsarts.org/ace-awards.