65 Years of KCYA

Join us in celebrating 65 years of arts education and the supporters who have helped shape KCYA’s story.

Together, we look to the future and the opportunity to share this tradition of support with the next generation.

Guests will enjoy a seated lunch featuring distinguished speakers and honorees as we look toward the future of arts education in Kansas City. Please join us for a celebratory lunch and help support the next generation of Kansas City Young Audiences! Please visit the event website for more details on this year’s luncheon.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Trudy Award

Heidi Nast

Gertrude W. Lighton Prize

Venessa and Rodney Gibbs, KCYA Teaching Artists

Distinguished Educator Award

Uli Schneider, Principal, Gladstone Elementary KCPS

Emcee and Performer

We are pleased to have KCYA teachinga artist and local performer Dino O’Dell join us as our event emcee. Whether he's fixing spaceships, counting monsters or swimming in peanut butter, Dino is a master at educating kids. And whether the topic is astronomy, geography, or earth science, he makes learning fun for children throughout Kansas City! Dino is a former elementary and preschool music teacher who brings learning to life through music, stories, and animations.

Dino was the recipient of the 2014 Lighton Prize for Teaching Artist Excellence. He collaborates with arts organizations around the country. Dino is excited to share more about his arts integrated approach to learning at this year’s 65th anniversary luncheon. 

Luncheon Program Speakers

We are honored to welcome Dr. Janice Crews, KCYA’s new Executive Director, who brings 15 years of executive leadership in the arts. Dr. Crews will share her vision for the future of Kansas City Young Audiences and the continued growth and impact of arts education in our community.

We will also welcome special guest Elizabeth Suh Lane, Founder, Executive & Artistic Director and violinist of the Bach Aria Soloists, whose artistry and leadership offer a unique perspective on the power of the arts to inspire and connect.

Explore the Arts at Zhou B Art Center

Located in Kansas City’s vibrant 18th & Vine District, the Zhou B Art Center is a stunning home for creativity and artistic expression. The building will open at 10:00 a.m. for guests to explore their current exhibition before the luncheon begins.

Location and Parking

The Zhou B Art Center is located at 1801 E 18th Street, Kansas City, MO. Ample parking is available in the art center’s lot for guests.