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Ashley for the Arts Honors Individuals “Showcasing the Arts. Supporting Humanity”

July 29, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

"Ashley for the Arts has always been a reflection of our community's incredible generosity and spirit,” stated Cole Bawek, Event Director, Ashley for the Arts. “The Humanitarian and Patron of the Arts awards are our most sincere way of saying 'thank you' to those individuals whose commitment goes above and beyond. These recipients represent the very best of that spirit, leaving a legacy of service and creativity that will inspire future generations.”

The Humanitarian Award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in serving the communities that surround Arcadia, the home of the Ashley for the Arts annual event. Following a nomination-based process, Gary Bautch was selected as the 2025 Humanitarian Award recipient.

For decades, Gary has been a cornerstone of the community, demonstrating a dedication to public service that has shaped the growth of Arcadia and the surrounding region. While he has lent his expertise to nearly every facet of civic life, including his time serving as Mayor of Arcadia, he has also been the driving force behind the area’s beautification. Gary has been instrumental in sourcing trees, scheduling plantings throughout Arcadia, including Memorial Park and throughout the local community, as well as organizing annual Arbor Day workshops for local high school students. His continued commitment shows a deep-seated passion for improving the environment and making the place he calls home a better place to live.

Gary’s distinguished public service and his hands-on support for enhancing the local area embodies the true spirit of community and makes him a deserving recipient of this honor. Gary will be recognized on the main stage prior to ZZ Top’s performance on Aug. 8 at 6:45 PM.

In addition, the Patron of the Arts Award recipient honors individual(s) or an organization that has demonstrated extraordinary support for the arts. Ashley for the Arts will recognize Duane Miller with the prestigious “Patron of the Arts” award on Aug. 9, on the main stage, before Third Eye Blind’s performance at 6:45 PM.

Duane's artistic vision has become permanently woven into the fabric of the community. His extraordinary support of the arts is immortalized in bronze monuments along Soldiers Walk in Memorial Park, home of Ashley for the Arts. His work includes iconic monuments, including the Korean and Persian Gulf War memorials, the Ronald G. Wanek and James Reed statues, and the powerful War Dog and Nurse Ruby Bradley monuments. His enduring legacy of public art, which now extends to major national projects, is a profound and tangible contribution that will inspire generations to come.

Duane has been an active member of numerous community organizations over the years, always going the extra mile in giving his time and artistic talents to their causes. His creative vision, both personally and through his business, Mill Graphics, has been an instrumental part in inspiring creativity across the community.

Join Ashley for the Arts in recognizing these award recipients and their contributions to the community and the arts. Limited 3-day admission tickets are available for $55 plus fees in advance, and $70 at the gate. Children’s tickets (ages 3-10) are available for $25 plus fees in advance, and $35 at the gate.
For additional event details, download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website.