The Otto F. Dingeldein Gala
An Evening That Celebrates the Arts — and Those Who Make Them Possible.
Celebrating Excellence In the Arts
Each year, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri honors individuals and organizations whose dedication, creativity, and advocacy have strengthened the arts throughout our region. These recognitions are presented during the Otto F. Dingeldein Gala, one of the Arts Council's premier events. The Gala brings together artists, patrons, businesses, and community members for an evening of music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, and celebration while supporting the Arts Council's mission to enrich the cultural life of Southeast Missouri.
Attendees - Who is invited?
The Otto F. Dingeldein Gala is a ticketed event, so anyone is welcome to attend. We encourage anyone who appreciates the arts and supporting our cause to join us. If you’re an artist, curious about the arts, an art connoisseur, philanthropist, small business owner, or just want to experience a night full of celebration for the Southeast Missouri art community, we would love to have you in attendance.
Recognizing Our Community Champions
The Arts Council is proud to recognize the individuals and organizations whose dedication, generosity, and advocacy have made a lasting impact on the arts throughout Southeast Missouri. The Gala's highest honor, the Otto F. Dingeldein Award, was established in 1975 to recognize individuals or organizations whose artistic achievements and lasting contributions have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of our community. In 2002, the Friend of the Arts Award was created to honor exceptional volunteers, donors, businesses, and organizations whose generosity and service have helped the Arts Council expand its programs and outreach. Most recently, the Heart for Art Award, established in 2023, recognizes an outstanding volunteer whose passion, dedication, and advocacy embody the spirit of the Arts Council and inspire others to support the arts.
Dr. Joni Hand Receiving the Otto F. Dingeldein Award
Jeff Rawson Receiving the Friend of the Arts Award on Behalf of The Scout and Scout Hall
Susan Koen Receiving the Heart for Art Award
Travis & Parker Receiving the Loose Dudes Dingie Award
Carol Horst Receiving the Get S**t Done Dingie Award
Chayli Richardson Receiving the Jack of All Trades Dingie
Rayme Keenan Receiving the Give Us Your Money Dingie
Jesse Steele Receiving the Pluck Yeah Dingie
Lloyd Williams Receiving the Reflections Dingie on Behalf of South Side Farms
Tom & Josh Receiving the Maximalists of the Year Dingie
Thomas Shaner Receiving the Working Artist Dingie
Michael Downes Receiving the Oddly Specific Dingie
What a star-studded photo of prominent Arts Council members, Dingeldein recipients, and amazing artists!
The Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation shared their John Boardman collection with us as well. Last year, the Dingeldein Gala took place in a beautiful John Boardman home so we enjoyed being able to reflect on that experience.
The Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation so kindly brought their Otto F. Dingeldein collection to share with our guests!
Thank you to our bartender extraordinaire, Chayli! Édouard Manet's "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère", anyone?
Shoutout to the 2023 Otto F. Dingeldein Recipient, Kirby Ray, for taking so many great photos!
We loved seeing the custom CHROMA outfits! Lisa and Kurt were inspired by Oskar Schlemmer's Bauhaus ballet!
DJ 2 Fingers Up provided the perfect party vibe! His selections kept us dancing and we loved that we could request songs.
Did you see the photographs of Otto's silversmith work behind the bar?
Sweet Boards created a beautiful (and DELICIOUS!) spread of food for us!
Winners of the
Otto F. Dingeldein Award
2024 - Dr. Joni Hand
2023 - Kirby Ray Qualls
2022 - Helen Towner
2021 - Steve Schaffner
2017 - Caroline Kahler
2016 - Chris Wubbena
2015 - Judy Barks-Westrich
2014 - Brenda Seyer
2013 - Don Greenwood
2012 - Dr. John Shelton
2011 - Linda Buis
2009 - Mike Dumey
2008 - Dodie Eisenhauer
2007 - Vicki Outman
2006 - William Shivelbine
2005 - Mr. Narvol Random, Jr. & Herb Wickham
2004 - Drs. Robert & Ann Gifford
2003 - Craig Thomas
2002 - Dr. Jean & Nona Nan Chapman
2001 - Dr. Gary L. Miller
1999 - Dr. Edwin Smith
1998 - Freck Shivelbine
1997 - Ann Abbott
1996 - Bill Needle
1995 - John H. Wiseman
1994 - Nick Leist
1993 - Bill & Jan Chamberlain
1992 - Don & Beverly Strohmeyer
1991 - Carol Berry Horst
1990 - Judith Crow
1988 - Dr. Frances Crowley
1987 - Mary Ann Gundermuth
1986 - Grant Lund & James V. Parker
1985 - Ruth Knote
1983 - Wendy Rust
1981 - Jack & Betty Palsgrove
1980 - Aileen Lorberg
1977 - Jake Wells
1976 - Marjorie Suedekum
1975 - Otto F. Dingeldein
Winners of the
Friend of the Arts Award
2024 - Jeff Rawson of Scout Hall & The Scout
2023 - eDen Health Spa & Salon
2022 - The Bank of Missouri
2021 - Ebb & Flow Fermentations
2017 - Ronald Nall
2016 - Sam Burton Cole
2015 - Jeanie Eddleman
2014 - 573 Magazine
2013 - Major Brands
2012 - Chris Edmonds/Staff-Element 74
2011 - Red Letter Communications & Lori Ann Kinder
2009 - Utahna Hancock
2008 - Richard Webb
2007 - Jerry Ford
2006 - Southeast Missourian
2005 - Southeast Missouri Hospital
2004 - Jeff Maguire
2003 - Ron Pilz
2002 - Sam Blackwell
Winners of the
Heart for Art Award
2024- Susan Koen
2023 - Lisa Bishop
Programs, events, and exhibitions are made possible through the generosity of people who believe young artists deserve opportunities to create, exhibit, and be celebrated. By making a donation or becoming an Arts Council member, you directly support exhibitions, educational programs, community events, and experiences that bring the arts to people throughout Southeast Missouri. Your support helps us keep creating spaces where the next generation of artists can shine.