Tuesday, November 3, 2026
From left: Jim Swanker (2022 Artist of the Year), Tara O’Neill (2015 Artist of the Year), Karen Swanker, and Carolyn Burger.
Gregg Birr receives the 2026 Performing Artist of the Year from Charlie Blum.
Welcome remarks by Hyla Crane, Executive Director for Marco Island Center for the Arts, at the 2026 Artist of the Year Award event.
Special guests, family members, and friends gathered to honor the 2026 Artists of the Year at the Marco Island Center for the Arts.
Melinda Steffey receives the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award from theatre director Joan Gerderding and Charlie Blum.
Ron Clark, 2025 Artist of the Year reunites with colleague and 2022 Artist of the Year Jim Swanker.
Diane Reed Eiler holding her award with family and friends. Shelby, JR, Diane Reed Eiler, and Josh.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Marco Island Center for the Arts recognized the Artists of the Year in visual and performing arts. Diane Reed Eiler and Gregg Birr were recognized for their talent and artistic contributions to the community. Also receiving honors was 2026 Volunteer of the Year Melinda Steffey.
The evening was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the individuals who make the arts thrive in Marco Island. Community members gathered, mingled, and enjoyed lite bites and wine, and joined in recognizing the outstanding honorees.
This annual recognition started in 2014 with the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts and is now continued by Marco Island Center for the Arts.
Hyla Crane, Art Center Executive Director, recognized these past Artist of the Year recipients from the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts:
2014 – Malinda Trick
2015 – Tara O’Neill
2016 - JRobert Houghtaling
2017 – Austin Bell
2018 - Gina Sisbarro-Penzo
2019 – Sherri Morrison
2020 – Marie Senechal
2021 – Hyla Crane
2022 – James Swanker
Artist of the Year Recipients from the Marco Island Center for the Arts:
2024 – Barbara Parisi
2025 – Pat Berry and Ron Clark
2026 – Diane Reed Eiler and Gregg Birr
Recognized for her impact as both an exhibiting artist and instructor, Eiler has inspired countless students and contributed significantly to the Center’s visual arts programming. Her work and teaching continue to elevate the creative community.
Honored for his consistent and versatile presence on stage, Birr has performed in every Arts Center Theatre season since 2022, often stepping into roles at a moment’s notice more than once. His dedication and reliability have made him an invaluable part of the theatre program.
Steffey was recognized for her exceptional behind-the-scenes contributions. She supported every production in the 2025–2026 season through her work with props and costumes, helping ensure the success of each performance.
Crane shared that with an overwhelming number of nominations received, this year’s awards highlight the depth of talent and dedication within the Marco Island arts community.
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