35th Annual All Area Arts Awards Winners

The Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission celebrated the 35th Annual All Area Awards on the evening of May 7^th at the Dow Event Center.  This annual awards ceremony recognized individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that that have enhanced the Quality of Life in Saginaw County through their support of the arts.

The Top Honors for 2025 went to the following individuals:

Jeanne Conger – For nearly 30 years, Jeanne has been the energy, heart, and steady hands behind some of Saginaw’s most iconic events. From developing and  coordinating community favorites like Friday Night Live, the Christmas Parade and Outhouse Races, to ushering in the holidays with Holidays in the Heart of the City, Jeanne’s work has brought families together, supported small businesses, and breathed new life into downtown.

Jeanne’s leadership of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw, formerly PRIDE in Saginaw, has created a culture of collaboration and celebration. She has built lasting partnerships with almost every cultural and community organization. Jeanne’s quiet, consistent, capable leadership has fostered traditions that thousands look forward to year after year. 

Ken Wuepper – Ken has dedicated more than seven decades to preserving the heartbeat of Saginaw’s performing arts. Known fondly as “the human face of the Temple Theatre,” Ken began his lifelong service to the arts in 1953 by identifying and repairing critical issues with the theatre’s historic Barton organ. His devotion to the organ continued through a complete organ refurbishment in 2011.

Ken also played a pivotal role in the Temple Theatre’s $7 million restoration, ensuring its future as a cornerstone of Saginaw’s cultural life. Whether serving as a theater manager, stagehand, projector operator, historian, or beloved tour guide, he has been a constant steward of the arts. Ken continues his work at First Congregational Church, maintaining their historic organ and nurturing the church’s artistic space. 

Christian Reer – As a dedicated educator and mentor during his 30-year career with Saginaw Township Community Schools, Christian has inspired countless students through dynamic art classes that introduced them to a wide range of media. His journey began as a student teacher when he installed a 30-foot telephone pole on school grounds, adorning it with student-made wooden sculptures. His students consistently excelled, earning recognition in competitions at the Saginaw Art Museum, the County Wide Art Show, the AAA Traffic Safety Poster Contest, and others. Beyond the classroom, he has supported numerous school plays, special events, and co-led the annual Saginaw Township Student Art Exhibit.

2025 Regional Arts Award: Public Art Passport – No walls, no doors, just open access to creativity. The Public Art Passport is a museum of the future, a digital platform that maps sculptures, murals, and public art installations across Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties. It offers instant access across all digital devices, delivering location maps, artist stories, and cultural context to anyone, anywhere. Over 300 art pieces have been tagged with QR codes, creating an interactive experience in real time. With every label placed and every digital map accessed, it connects people with place, and strengthens the artistic identity of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Public Art Passport is a commitment to the idea that art belongs to everyone.

The All Area Arts Awards is made possible through the generous support of our Patron Sponsors: ChoiceOne Bank, Garber Automotive, Ruth Ann Knapp, the K. Lucille & James Martineau Family Fund, MyMichigan Health, Thor & Joylynn Rasmussen, Team One Credit Union, United Financial Credit Union, and W.L. Case & Company. Additional support is provided by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and Maxwell K. Pribil Memorial Foundation.