ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The Arts Consortium’s Artist of the Year designation began as a symbolic recognition of the award recipient’s contribution to our organization. As the Arts Consortium has evolved, so has this distinction.
Michael Jasso is a Spoken Word Artist from Visalia, CA. He has traveled all across California and the country as either a Poet, Emcee, Volunteer, Workshop Facilitator, Slam Coach, or a combination of all the above. He has been Lead Organizer of Visalia’s Loud Mouth Poetry Jam for the last 12+ years bringing out the world’s most talented poets, as well as showcasing the talent of the Valley’s poetry community back to the world.
Visit Michael’s artist of the year page to learn more about him and his work.
PAST ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
We have had a fantastic roster of Artists of the Year and expect many more in the years to come. Click on the available past artist of the year to learn more about them.
2020-2021 Shirley Keller
2019-2020 Andrew Kenefick
2018-2019 Toni Best
2017-2018 Erik Gonzalez
2016-2017 James Stark
ELIGIBILITY
In order to be considered for the Artist of the Year designation, an artist must first demonstrate excellence in their artistic discipline plus the additional judging criteria:
- Lives in Tulare County
- Creates Original Artwork
- Supports the mission of the Arts Consortium through their participation in, or their creation of, free or low-cost arts programming
- Supports the mission of the Arts Consortium by being part of some form of arts education (private lessons, public demonstrations, TK-University level arts education, etc.)
- Has shown or shows artwork locally and regionally
- Since 2021, priority is given to artists who have shown artwork nationally (outside of California) and internationally (outside of the United States)
Nominees of this year’s award who have previously received the Artist of the Year designation from the Arts Consortium may be considered ineligible if they have not participated in or created a significant amount new work that falls under the aforementioned requirements since the date of their previous Artist of the Year designation.
ARTIST OPPORTUNITY BENEFITS
The Artist of the Year designation DOES NOT include any monetary winnings, but the Artist Opportunity Benefits package holds a estimated value in excess of $10,000.00. Artist Opportunity Benefits package received are non-transferable and they cannot be exchanged or substituted.
- Prominent artist booth placement in our Taste the Arts Festival with two (2) free booths during the year of their recognition. In addition, the winner will be able to accept a free booth during the year following their award year. ($300 Value)
- Invitation to lead a paid two day workshop as a visiting artist to My Voice Media Center. ($250 payment)
- Invitation to show/sell artwork at the Arts Consortium managed: Peter N. Carey Gallery, at The Lofts at Fort Visalia; for a three (3) to four (4) month period.
- Artwork placed on the cover of our Watermark Magazine. This magazine is free to the public. It is distributed throughout Tulare County and posted on our Arts Consortium website. ($5,000 Value)
- Four (4) to six (6) page artist profile in our Watermark Magazine. ($4,000 – $6,000 Value)
- A permanent profile page on our Arts Consortium website. ($5,000 Value)
SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON
Know an artist who meets all the eligibility requirements to be the Arts Consortium’s Artist of the Year? Fill out the nomination form to submit your candidate to receive the distinction of Artist of the Year for the 2025-2026 season.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: May 21, 2025
If you are having trouble viewing the nomination form below or would like to fill it out in a different window, click the button below.