2025 Harmon Awards

The Harmon Museum held the first annual Harmon Arts Awards at a private evening reception on Saturday, February 15 at the Armstrong Conference Center. Nine individuals and arts organization, from Warren County and Southwest Ohio, were honored and presented award medals.

Historical Significance
The Harmon Arts Awards, like Harmon Museum, is named for real estate developer, philanthropist and Lebanon native, William Elmer Harmon (1862-1928). Originally designed to support African American artists during the Harlem Renaissance, Harmon established the Harmon Foundation, in New York City in 1921 and it continued until 1967.

These new awards recognize excellence in the fields of Art, Dance, Education, Film, Literature, Music, Science and Innovation, theatre arts patrons, volunteers and Civic/Corporate support of the Arts.

The 2025 Honorees included:
Individual Artistic Achievement: Willis "Bing" Davis  
Civic/Corporate Support of the Arts: The City of Lebanon
Visual Arts Education: Artscape
Excellence in Theatrical Production: Mason Community Players
Excellence in Music: Springboro Wind Symphony
Cultural Preservation: The Elizabeth Harvey Free Black School
Art Volunteer: Rebecca McLaughlin
Arts Patron: K. Richard B. Niehoff
Excellence in Literature: Donna Summers

The Harmon Museum was privileged to once again establish this annual award to honor excellence in the Arts in Warren County.

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