Sacramento Valley Spark is honored to share that we have been named the Midtown Association’s 2026 Artist of the Year.
The award was presented on May 5 during the unveiling of Fremont Park Bloom, a stunning public art installation featuring towering illuminated California poppies that transformed Sacramento’s historic Fremont Park into a glowing garden of light, color, and community.
During the celebration, SVS Board President Ed Fletcher accepted the award on behalf of our organization from Megan Van Voorhis, Director of Convention & Cultural Services for the City of Sacramento. Surrounded by artists, community leaders, and supporters gathered beneath the illuminated poppies, the moment served as a reminder of what can happen when creativity, collaboration, and community come together.
This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects a partnership built on a shared belief: that public art has the power to inspire connection, spark imagination, and strengthen the communities we call home.
Over the past year, Sacramento Valley Spark had the privilege of partnering with Midtown Association on the Urban Dreams Art Experience, an ambitious public art initiative that transformed Midtown Sacramento into an open-air gallery of immersive and interactive art installations. Inspired by the participatory spirit of Burning Man and fueled by the creativity of regional artists, Urban Dreams invited thousands of residents and visitors to experience art in unexpected places throughout the neighborhood.
What made Urban Dreams special was not simply the artwork itself, but the opportunity to create moments of wonder in everyday life. By bringing large-scale art into public spaces, the project encouraged people to slow down, explore, connect, and experience Midtown through a different lens. The success of the exhibition demonstrated the power of creative placemaking and highlighted Sacramento’s growing arts community.
While Sacramento Valley Spark is not a single artist, this recognition celebrates something even bigger: the collective creativity, volunteer spirit, and artistic vision of the many people who have helped build our community over the years. Every artist, builder, volunteer, performer, donor, and participant who has contributed their time, talent, and passion to SVS shares in this honor.
Our organization was founded on the belief that participation creates culture. Whether through public art installations, educational events, civic engagement projects, community gatherings, or creative collaboration, we strive to create opportunities for people to connect, contribute, and build something meaningful together.
We are deeply grateful to Midtown Association for this recognition and for their partnership in bringing transformative art experiences to Sacramento. We also congratulate everyone involved in bringing Fremont Park Bloom to life and encourage our community to visit the installation while it is on display.
Most of all, thank you to the countless members of our community who continue to show up, create, volunteer, and dream alongside us. This award belongs to all of you.
Here’s to many more years of art, participation, and community.