2023 STAR Award Spotlight

Individual Recognition: Brandie Soden (formerly Saint-Claire), Director of Art in the Park Festival

The 2023 STAR Individual Award was proudly presented to Brandie Soden (Saint-Claire), an inspiring leader and passionate advocate for the arts in the Tri-Cities. A Richland native and Bomber Alumni, Brandie has been a driving force behind the beloved Art in the Park Festival, a cultural cornerstone in the region for over 73 years. As Director of the festival since 2021, Brandie has led a remarkable transformation, doubling event attendance in just three years—from 34,000 to over 71,000 attendees. Her visionary leadership has not only enhanced the festival's impact but has also generated vital revenue for local businesses, all while keeping the event free to the public.

Under Brandie's stewardship, Art in the Park, a signature event organized by the Allied Arts Association, has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2023 "Most Dynamic Festival" award, and has earned top rankings as the 4th "Best Festival in the Pacific Northwest" and the 6th "Best Festival in the United States" in 2023. Brandie's dedication to enriching the cultural landscape of Richland and the greater Tri-Cities community exemplifies the spirit of the STAR Award, recognizing her as an outstanding ambassador for the arts.

Art in the Park Festival Website

Organization Recognition: Academy of Children's Theater

The 2023 STAR Organization Award was presented to the Academy of Children's Theatre (ACT), an organization dedicated to fostering creativity and passion for the arts in youth since its founding in June of 1995. ACT's first performances, How to Eat Like a Child and Fame, debuted at Sunfest, marking the beginning of their commitment to inspiring young performers.

Over the years, ACT has grown to offer a wide range of opportunities for children, including classes, workshops, and 4-6 Main Stage plays and musicals annually. While acting is a major focus, ACT also provides a platform for students to explore other vital roles in theater such as directing, lighting, and stage managing. These experiences build essential life skills, including public speaking, problem solving, critical analysis, and teamwork.

Beyond their in-house productions, ACT reaches out to the community through outreach programs in schools and nonprofit organizations, encouraging students to engage with and contribute to their local communities. ACT is steadfast in placing children at the heart of its productions, ensuring an immersive, safe, and affirming environment that nurtures a love for theater arts.

Academy of Children's Theater Website

2022 STAR Award Spotlight

Individual Recognition: Ellicia Elliot

The 2022 individual award was presented to Ellicia Elliot, co-founder and artistic director of the Rude Mechanicals, a local performing arts organization producing Shakespeare and Shakespeare-inspired plays.

Ellicia has lived in Richland for 18 years. She has worked with the Academy of Children’s Theatre, Richland Players Theatre, the Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre and the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers. She also spent eight years as the theater director at Richland High School. Her role in the Rude Mechanicals has been profound. From co-founding the non-profit, to ensuring Shakespeare is accessible and fun for all ages, to producing the area's first free Shakespeare in the Park.

Ellicia has been a committed supporter (and creator) of the arts in Richland for almost 2 decades, and her latest endeavor, the free-admission production in Howard Amon Park, is the perfect demonstration of that.

Organization Recognition: Three Rivers Folklife Society

For the past 26 years, the Three Rivers Folklife Society has hosted what is now one of the largest folk music events in Eastern Washington.  

Before Covid, the Tumbleweed Festival drew approximately 4,500 attendees throughout the weekend. During the pandemic, this non-profit organization pulled together all of their resources and created a virtual event, which they continue today. In 2021 and 2022, this virtual event included 200 performances, concerts and livestreamed workshops from all over the world, including Ireland, Scotland and Germany. 

The three-day festival during Labor Day Weekend is a long-term, reoccurring cultural musical experience that plays a significant role in Richland’s art and entertainment attractions.  

STAR Award Recipients

2023
Organization: Academy of Children's Theater
Individual: Brandie Soden (formerly Saint-Claire)

2022
Organization: Tumbleweed Music Festival
Individual: Ellicia Elliott

2021
Organization: The Arts Center Task Force
Individual: Josh Darby

2020
Organization: Mid-Columbia Ballet
Individual: Courtney Jette

2019
Organization: Drew Boy Creative
Individual: Luke Ray

2018
Organization: The Emerald of Siam
Individual: Adrienne Fletcher

2017
Organization: Tri-Cities Steel Band Association
Individual: Patrick Fleming

2016
Organization: Fox-Vance Family Foundation
Individual: Nancy Doran

2015
Organization: HAPO
Individual: Robert Waltrous

2014
Organization: Tri-Cities Chinese American Association
Individual: Debra Rogo

2013
Organization: RPBI (Market at the Parkway)
Individual: Chuck Eaton

2012
Organization: Tumbleweed Art Studio
Individual: Jo Brodzinksi

2011
Organization: Battelle
Individual: Justin Raffa

2010
Organization: Not awarded
Individual: Tom Powers

2009
Organization: Columbia Center Rotary
Individual: Fred Dixon

2008
Organization: Allied Arts Association
Individual: Artis Vaughan

2007
Organization: Not awarded
Individual: Jerry Greenfield