Arts and Culture commission unveils recipients of Rochester's 2025 Arts Awards

Local artist showcased at Back Hill Beer Co. in the Gonic Mill (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Commission for Arts and Culture, for the City of Rochester, announced the recipients of the 2025 Rochester Arts Awards today.

A statement released from the city noted that the annual awards are an opportunity for the commission to celebrate individuals, organizations and events that make significant contributions to the vitality of the community.

According to chairperson Ashley Desrochers, the 2025 recipients embody the commission's mission to highlight Rochester's rich heritage, foster a sense of civic pride and strengthen the presence of the arts in everyday life.

"By identifying and promoting our city's artistic and cultural assets, we shine a light on the people and efforts that make Rochester a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative community," said Desrochers. "Through their dedication, talent, and vision, they demonstrate the economic power of art and culture while facilitating deeper community engagement."

The awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations:

• Spaulding High School Music Department
  For facilitating community involvement in the arts; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing Rochester's cultural and artistic assets; and inspiring a sense of pride in the City of Rochester.
• Mrs. Susan Abiatti
  For facilitating community involvement in the arts; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing Rochester's cultural and artistic assets; and inspiring a sense of pride in the City of Rochester.
• Lila Dance Festival
  For highlighting Rochester's heritage and inspiring a sense of pride in the city; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing its cultural and artistic assets; and facilitating community involvement in the arts.
• Ruth Caron of The Pottery Paddock
  For making pottery accessible to all through inclusive clay-throwing classes open to people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities.
• Back Hill Beer Company
  For facilitating community involvement in the arts; identifying, strengthening, promoting, and showcasing Rochester's cultural and artistic assets; and recognizing the economic power of art and culture.

Members of the Commission for Arts and Culture will present the certificates at the upcoming City Council Workshop on August 19, 2025. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed. Visit www.rochesternh.gov to learn more.