The 18th Annual Viola Awards will be on April 25, 2026 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff, AZ.
Celebrating excellence in arts, science & culture, the Viola Awards recognize artists, educators, organizations & leaders who make positive contributions to the Flagstaff community.
In honor of
Viola Babbitt
& her creative contributions
The Viola Awards began in 2009 as a way to bring together and celebrate the arts in Flagstaff. The Awards are named after Viola Babbitt, a long time advocate of the arts and painter.
Viola was born in the Arizona territory in 1894, later teaching music and reading before settling into a big house on Leroux Street in Flagstaff. In the 1950’s, she started painting and later, established the Art Barn as Flagstaff’s first community arts center. A firm believer in providing community access to the arts, she lobbied Coconino County to build a better facility for a community arts center: the Coconino Center for the Arts.
Viola died in 1994, shortly after her 100th birthday, yet we continue to honor her work and legacy as a founding member of our creative community.
Viola Babitt
Celebrating Creative Excellence
The Viola Awards are Flagstaff’s Oscars for the arts community. Celebrating excellence in the arts, the Viola Awards recognize artists, educators, organizations, and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts in Flagstaff. Over 400 people attend the event to celebrate and support these distinguished artists and professionals.
Creative Flagstaff Staff at the Viola Awards in 2024
VIOLA AWARDS
Winners, Finalists &
Legacy Award Recipients
Winners, Finalists & Legacy Award Recipients
Discover the artists, educators, and leaders who have shaped Flagstaff’s creative community and been honored with a Viola Award.
2026 Viola Awards Finalists
Excellence in Education – IndividualKylie AhernJulie BouckNicole TaylorExcellence in Education – OrganizationLowell Education TeamFlagstaff Festival of ScienceStargazer Travelling Education ProgramCommunity [...]
2025 Viola Awards Winners
Excellence in Visual Art Jaques Cazo Seronde- Forever Changes Excellence in Performing Arts Cabaret Excellence in Music August Remedy Excellence [...]
2025 Viola Awards Finalists
Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the Finalists and Legacy Award Recipient for the 17th Annual Viola Awards. The Viola [...]
Support the Viola Awards
Be Recognized for your commitment to the arts in Flagstaff. If you are interested in serving as a sponsor for the Viola Awards, please reach out to us. Email: dcommanda@creativeflagstaff.org
Viola Awards Sponsors
Founding Sponsor
Violet Sponsors
Sonja
London-Hall
Lavender Sponsors
Orchid Sponsors
Video and Tech Sponsor
Emcee Sponsor
Photo booth Sponsor
Awards Sponsor
In-kind Sponsors
