Left to right (top row): Nichole Bridges, Nicole Freber, Kristin Johnson
Left to Right (bottom row): Helene Meyers, Maria Ojascastro, Aisha Sultan
Photo Credit: Lois Ingrum
ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis Visionary Awards is proud to recognize the 2026 Visionary honorees: Nichole Bridges (Outstanding Arts Professional), Nicole Freber (Arts Innovator), Kristin Johnson (Major Contributor to the Arts), Helene Meyer (Community Impact Artist), Maria Ojascastro (Outstanding Teaching Artist), and Aisha Sultan (Outstanding Working Artist).
The Saint Louis Visionary Awards is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the regional arts community. Saint Louis Visionary Awards celebrates the outstanding contributions, achievements, and excellence of women who work in or support the arts in St. Louis.
“The depth of talent and the power of the artists and arts champions in our community is a profound part of our strength as a region. The Visionary Awards make this impactful force visible, valued, and recognized. The 2026 honorees are accomplishing transformational work in the arts.” said Roseann Weiss, Chair of the Saint Louis Visionary Awards. “They are truly visionary and we are excited to celebrate them and amplify their work.”
The 2026 Saint Louis Visionary Awards Celebration will take place on Monday, April 27. The program begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by a reception at 7:00 p.m., at the Sun Theater in Grand Center. Sandra M. Moore (Managing Director and Chief Impact Officer at Advantage Capital) and Mary Ann Srenco (Trustee of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation) will serve as co-hosts for the evening, with special entertainment by Root Mod and Dances of India.
For additional information about the Saint Louis Visionary Awards sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, visit www.vizawards.org. Individual tickets are available for $50.
About the Saint Louis Visionary Awards:
The Saint Louis Visionary Awards was relaunched in 2014 by an independent committee of women (many past Visionaries) to celebrate the numerous contributions and achievements of women who work in or support the arts in St. Louis. The Saint Louis Visionary Awards is a 501(c)(3) organization and has a committed board of directors who take great joy in honoring women working in the arts ranging froestablished arts professionals and arts educators to emerging artists and community impact artists. The board of directors also offers angel fund tickets to members in our community who may not otherwise be able to attend the celebration.
