By Libby Protzman (Check out her LinkedIn here)
I recently had the massive privilege to serve as a judge for the 44th Annual Arts Awards for the Arts Council of Greater New Haven! As someone who has long admired the creative heartbeat of this community, the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful event was both humbling and inspiring. With nearly a hundred incredible nominations, the task of selecting the best was far more challenging than I anticipated. Each nominee brought something unique to the table, showcasing the immense talent, leadership, and innovation that defines the Greater New Haven arts scene.
When I reflect on this experience, I’m left in awe of the diversity and richness of the local arts community. Many of the nominees were colleagues of mine—individuals and leaders I’ve worked alongside in various capacities. It was incredible to see their hard work and impact being recognized on such a large stage. Equally inspiring were the organizations, those that have been doing the heavy lifting for years, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for what the arts can achieve. Their contributions are monumental, not just in the art they produce but in the way they support and sustain the creative culture in our city.
The Nominations: A Reflection of Community Impact
With nearly a hundred nominations, it became clear how integral the arts are to building vibrant, supportive communities. Through Winning Ways Inc., we strive to foster positive change by focusing on mental health, recovery, and wellness, and I saw these same values echoed in the nominations for the Arts Awards. Each artist and organization, in their own unique way, is contributing to the well-being of our community, whether by providing a voice to the unheard, healing through creative expression, or creating spaces for connection and growth.
As I read through the nominations, I was struck by how many of these artists align with the core values of Winning Ways—using their talents to spark change and drive forward impactful initiatives. Just like our work with youth prevention, financial literacy, and reentry, the nominees are agents of transformation, seeking to elevate lives and expand horizons.
The Challenge of Selection
Choosing winners from such an impressive list of nominees was no easy task. Many were not only familiar faces but also individuals and organizations whose missions parallel that of Winning Ways Inc.—to bring about positive, lasting change. I found myself reflecting on the different ways artists, like the ones nominated, are using creativity as a powerful tool for social impact, much like how we use innovative programs at Winning Ways to improve the lives of those affected by mental health challenges or substance abuse.
The most exciting part was seeing so many emerging artists who, though just beginning their journeys, are already shaping the future of our community. Their commitment and fresh approaches reminded me of our work with young leaders and those reentering society after justice impact. At Winning Ways, we believe in nurturing potential and providing pathways to success, and these up-and-coming artists embody that same spirit of growth and innovation.
The Power of Art in Healing and Transformation
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a judge was witnessing how deeply art and social change are intertwined in our community. Many nominees, like the work we champion at Winning Ways Inc., were focused on more than just artistic excellence—they were dedicated to creating spaces for healing, empowerment, and community transformation. This is precisely why I am so passionate about both the arts and our mission at Winning Ways. The arts have an incredible ability to foster mental health and personal growth, and it was inspiring to see artists and organizations using their platforms to address pressing social issues and advocate for those in need.
Much like our initiatives to support women in reentry through our Blossoming Beyond Bars conference, many of the nominees were using art as a medium for recovery and empowerment. Art, like wellness, has the power to heal, and through these nominations, I witnessed how artists are creating therapeutic experiences that bring hope, transformation, and a sense of belonging to those who may feel marginalized or forgotten.
A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future
Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much the mission of Winning Ways is deeply connected to the artistic endeavors we celebrated at the Arts Awards. Whether through the creative expression of an individual artist or the outreach of a large organization, these nominees are contributing to the very kind of community we seek to build—one that supports, uplifts, and transforms.
Winning Ways Inc. strives to be a source of empowerment for individuals seeking to overcome obstacles, and these artists and organizations are doing the same through their work. By fostering creativity, they are creating opportunities for dialogue, mental health awareness, and social change—much like the programs we run to build resilience and provide resources for vulnerable populations.
THE 44TH ARTS AWARD GALA
Serving as a judge for the 44th Annual Arts Awards was an honor that I will carry with me for a long time. It offered a unique glimpse into the beating heart of Greater New Haven’s arts scene and filled me with awe for the talent, leadership, and innovation we are fortunate to have in our community. It is an experience I will never forget, and I am grateful to have played a small role in celebrating the artists and organizations that make Greater New Haven such a special place. Please consider joining them at the upcoming awards gala:
