2024 Raleigh Medal of Arts

The City of Raleigh Arts Commission will present twelve of the City’s highest honors in the arts on October 8 at the Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards Ceremony at the Raleigh Little Theatre. 

The 2024 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards, hosted by Rissi Palmer, will feature presentations and performances honoring extraordinary achievements in the arts. 

The Medal of Art will be awarded to: 

• Paris Alexander
• Elizabeth Beilman and Jimmy Gilmore
• Ragen Carlile
• Creative Mornings Raleigh
• Roy C. Dicks
• Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center
• Yvette Holder
• Timothy Locklear
• Rob Maddrey and Mark Tulbert 
• Ilse Mann
• Raleigh Drum Circle

Paris Alexander

Paris Alexander is a prominent sculptor and supporter of other artists in Raleigh. His work has been exhibited widely and received numerous public and private commissions. Paris also created CMAC, the City Market Artist Collective, a community gallery space in downtown Raleigh, to support the work of his fellow professional artists. Paris has collaborated with the Lucy Daniels Center, the Artspace Arts and Outreach Programs, and the NC Museum of Art Outreach Program. His community involvement includes projects with The Salvation Army, The Healing Place, and The Morehead School of the Blind.  

Elizabeth Beilman and Jimmy Gilmore 

Elizabeth Beilman and Jimmy Gilmore have significantly contributed to the Raleigh community through their classical performances, educational roles, and advocacy for chamber music and music education. Together, they established the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute (NCCMI) in 2012, providing a nurturing space for young musicians to learn and perform as it approaches its tenth anniversary. 

Ragen Carlile

As the VP of Education and Community Programs at United Arts, Ragen has been instrumental in bringing more art to Raleigh and Wake County. Her work involves collaborating with arts organizations, artists, and schools to increase access to the arts for teachers, students, and the public. Under her leadership, the Artists in Schools program places professional teaching artists in Wake County K-12 schools, benefiting over 130,000 students annually. Ragen's vision has led to increased student art opportunities, support for teachers, and enhanced community partnerships. 

Creative Mornings Raleigh 

CreativeMornings/Raleigh (CM Raleigh) is a volunteer-run organization that celebrates and supports creativity in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill region. It is part of the global CreativeMornings community, which believes in the importance of bravery, work, and community support for a creative life. The organization hosts in-person and virtual events and has an online community that is free and accessible to diverse creative individuals. People from various professional backgrounds and interests come together to celebrate, be inspired, learn new ideas, and connect with Raleigh's vibrant, innovative culture. 

Roy C. Dicks 

Roy has been involved with theater since 1965, earning degrees in Drama and English at East Carolina University. He worked as a reference librarian for the Wake Co. Public Library system for 27 years while continuing to act and direct in various theaters. He co-founded the Raleigh Ensemble Players theater company and began writing performing arts reviews for the Raleigh News & Observer in 1997, covering over 1,200 productions. After stepping down in August 2018, he has worked with new and emerging Triangle playwrights, helping them develop their plays into production-ready works through his consultant services. 

Fruit of Labor Worldwide Cultural Center

 The FOLWCC (Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center) offers an enriching cultural and social justice educational experience to a diverse community. They aim to empower and engage community members through music, art, food, exercise, film, and dance. The center seeks to raise social and political awareness and provide a welcoming environment for social justice efforts. 

The Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble, anchored at FOLWCC, creates music from the struggles of organizing African American workers in North Carolina and the South. Overall, FOLWCC aims to create a comfortable space for the community to participate in social justice efforts and foster transformative change for the community's betterment. 

Yvette Holder 

Yvette Holder, a proud North Carolina native, is dedicated to promoting and developing original plays by North Carolina playwrights. She founded a monthly platform in 2017 to support this mission. 

With a strong foundation in theatre from the Lee Strasberg Institute of Dramatic Arts and North Carolina Central University, Yvette has received support from various theatre organizations and the artist community, allowing her to continue her passion for opening doors for NC playwrights. 

Timothy Locklear 

Timothy E. Locklear is the Managing Artistic Director of North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre (NRACT) for ten years, focusing on creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces in theatre. His commitment includes prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIIA+, Persons with Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, and the Aging communities. His work has profoundly impacted the North Raleigh community, fostered positive change, and transformed the community theater into an inclusive and accessible space. 

Rob Maddrey

Rob has significantly contributed to the arts in Raleigh and North Carolina. His work with statewide arts resources, including ARTS North Carolina, the North Carolina Symphony, and the Dix Park Conservancy, has had a far-reaching impact. He has focused on community engagement, creating networks, and connecting the NC Symphony with communities around the state. Additionally, he has contributed personally to the rich cultural life of Raleigh through his musical involvement and administrative service.  Rob is honored along with his husband Mark Tulbert.

Ilse Mann 

Ilse Wells Mann is a musician, educator, and the Conductor of the Raleigh Children's Orchestra. The Orchestra is based on inclusivity, allowing children of all levels and learning needs to participate. Over the past 41 years, it has performed over 164 concerts in the community, aiming to make the arts more accessible to children in the city. The members, aged 1st to 7th grade, come from various areas in Raleigh.  

The Raleigh Children's Orchestra (originally named the Raleigh Preparatory String Orchestra) has existed since 1983. Over the years, it has been instrumental in giving hundreds of young string players a valuable foundation in ensemble playing, the incentive to keep playing, and an introduction to the joys of making music together.

Mark Tulbert 

In his 30-year career at NC State University, Mark was a vital NC State LIVE series member. He contributed to developing a nationally recognized performing arts program known for its innovative and culturally diverse programming. He has strongly advocated making cultural programs and events accessible to people with disabilities. He was instrumental in introducing audio descriptions for individuals with low or no vision in Raleigh. Additionally, Mark led NC State LIVE's accessibility efforts and was crucial in addressing broader arts accessibility issues at NC State. Mark is honored along with his husband Rob Maddrey.

The Raleigh Drum Circle 

The Raleigh Drum Circle is a grassroots community organization that promotes music and movement in the Triangle area. They offer free, family-friendly drum circles and flow jams for all ages and abilities at Pullen Park and Method Road Community Center in Raleigh throughout the year. The organization encourages cultural awareness, diversity, and community through rhythm and welcomes participants with various interests, such as acro yoga, juggling, and circus arts.