San Marcos Sets Eighth Annual SMArts Awards Presentation

October 3, 2019

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In observance of National Arts and Humanities Month, the San Marcos Arts Commission will present its SMArts Advocacy Awards to individuals and organizations who are making significant contributions to the San Marcos arts and cultural scene on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee Street.

The event is free and open to the public. Remarks and awards will begin at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

This year’s honorees are:

Julie Balkman/Wake the Dead
For 10 years now, Julie Balkman’s Wake the Dead Coffee House has served as a hub for local visual and performing arts. From displaying art to hosting performances, film screenings, kids’ art activities, poetry readings and more, Julie has helped to sustain, further, and promote the local arts community.

Cecy Holcomb
A local artist and volunteer, Cecy Holcomb worked diligently with a small group of interested artists and supporters to relocate the Art Unhitched art market to the courthouse square, rebranding it as “Art Squared.” She was also instrumental in reviving the San Marcos Art League, helping membership grow to more than 100 people and serving as treasurer for three years.

Kelsey Huckaby
As owner of Studio San Martian, Kelsey Huckaby hosts events and encourages the community to engage art in a multi-faceted way. Studio San Martian offers people a place to come together, buy local, and sell their own art. Huckaby’s efforts bring artists and patrons together to celebrate art in the San Marcos community.

Lucky Tomblin (posthumous award)
Lucky Tomblin, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 72, pioneered two iconic San Marcos Art and Cultural institutions. In addition to being the founder of Fire Station Studios, he was one of the founders of the San Marcos Sacred Springs Powwow, an annual event that brings people together from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life to celebrate the community’s Native American heritage.

This is the eighth year the San Marcos Arts Commission has given out SMarts Advocacy Awards as part of its ongoing efforts to elevate, incubate and expand arts and cultural efforts in San Marcos.