Fankhauser to be honored with lifetime achievement award
By Jazmine Knight
Teresa Fankhauser and other art aficionados will soon be honored at the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts ceremony.
Fankhauser will be receiving the Extraordinary Lifetime Achievement Award on July 18 for her selfless work maintaining and preserving the art scene in St. Joseph.
Fankhauser’s art journey began when she was only 3 years old performing at the Missouri Theater. Throughout the years, she served with many art organizations across town including the Robidoux Resident Theater and Trails West. She went on to serve as the managing director at the Performing Arts Association. Then, in 2005, she was hired as the executive director of the Allied Arts Council, serving a 19-year career.
Fankhauser is responsible for bringing various art initiatives to St. Joseph, including the Beer Walk for the Arts, the Sculpture Walk and spearheading the traffic box art program.
Jessica Agnew, current executive director of the Allied Arts Council, said Fankhauser was taken aback after learning that she would be receiving this lifetime achievement award.
“It’s something that is not given every year,” Agnew said. “It’s really when it comes to light that there is someone in our community who has gone above and beyond for their lifetime in, in the arts, in whatever capacity it’s been.”
Agnew said she’s excited to be able to hand this honor to Fankhauser.
“She truly has done amazing achievements throughout her life. And I know that that mission will continue for her,” Agnew said.
When asked what she has learned from Fankhauser, Agnew said “everything.”
She loves hearing Fankhauser’s passion for the arts and is thankful for everything she’s done for the St. Joseph community. She said Fankhauser’s legacy will leave a lasting impact on the art world including young artists. Agnew hopes to continue Fankhauser’s legacy by helping the community “shine a little brighter” through art.
Agnew said Fankhauser is a reminder that you should always do something because you’re passionate about it and because you want to make a difference in the world.
“She did not go into anything that she’s done for the arts, for any sort of recognition. She did it because she loves the community, loves the arts, wants to see it grow,” said Agnew.
Fankhauser will receive her Extraordinary Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts. Six other categories will also be highlighted, including artist of the year, art educator of the year and youth artist.
“This is our chance to honor those that deserve it,” Agnew said.
The Mayor’s Awards will take place on July 18 at the Benton Club with drinks beginning at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:15 p.m. The ceremony will include an Allied Arts Council meeting where they will discuss annual fundraising progress and other agenda items. Tickets can still be purchased through Monday at stjoeart.org or give them a call at (816) 233-0231.
