Loudoun County visual, literary, and performing artists in 10th through 12th grades (including home-school students) are eligible to enter the Loudoun Arts Council's 18th Gale Waldron Excellence in the Arts awards program. The LAC announced the return of this popular student awards program in 2018, renaming the program in honor of Gale Waldron, the long-time arts supporter and former Loudoun Arts Council board member who passed away in January of that year.

Excellence recognizes outstanding student artists for their accomplishments in the literary and visual arts, as well as in dance, instrumental, voice, and theater performance. Cash prizes are awarded in each category.

Participants will be judged by professionals in each field, and comments from all judges will be provided in order to help students advance in their artistic endeavors. First and second place winners will be awarded cash prizes of $500 and $250, with additional cash prizes or honorable mentions to be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

Award-winners, guests, and the public are invited to attend the Awards Reception and Arts Showcase on April 27th, at 2pm at the Loudoun Valley High School Auditorium, 340 North Maple Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132.

This year’s program will be the 19th competition, following the reintroduction of the program in 2018 after an almost ten year hiatus. First held in 1990, Excellence has seen more than 950 students compete over the years for more than $35,000 in prizes. Past Excellence award winners have gone on to important careers in the arts.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed in each arts category. Contribute to your category of choice. Your sponsorship or donation of time will also include a one-year supporting membership in the arts council for you or your organization, or a one-year extension of your current membership. Sponsors will also be thanked prominently in our printed materials, press releases, and at the awards reception in April.

Sponsor a Competition or an Individual Award or Donate Any Amount

The Loudoun Arts Council promotes the arts in Loudoun County by advocating for and assisting arts organizations and individual artists. The LAC operates as the interface between artists, organizations, and arts supporters by providing information, education, research, and communication to benefit the arts community as a whole. To volunteer to help with the Gale Waldron Excellence in the Arts awards program as a judge or in some other way, or to find out more about the many ways you can contribute, please email info@loudounarts.org.