Join us for a celebration of Kingston’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the many ways she has enriched the culture of the region.
Mohonk Consultations proudly announces Kitt Potter, City of Kingston’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, as its 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award recipient. The award will be presented at a public event held at the Mohonk Mountain House Pavilion on Sunday, June 8, at 4 p.m.
Through our annual Distinguished Achievement Award, Mohonk Consultations recognizes the efforts of people and organizations that show an extraordinary level of commitment in making the Hudson Valley more habitable, healthy, and participatory. This year, we are honoring Kitt Potter for her many contributions to enriching our community through concerts, cultural events, public art installations and exhibitions, and celebrations of deeply powerful moments in our local history.
“Kitt is a passionate believer in the unifying power of the arts. We saw a theme in her work: how the arts connect us as we broaden our understanding of how we hurt, how we help, how we heal,” says Kitty Brown, Mohonk Consultations Board Member. “She has done so much to celebrate local artists, local history and local culture that we felt it was time to celebrate her.”
Award event to feature speakers, performers and a buffet dinner
The Sunday, June 8, celebration will lift your spirits through music and dance performances, tributes from distinguished speakers, and a buffet dinner prepared by Mohonk Chef Jim Palmeri. Currently confirmed special guests include Kofi and Sankofa Drum & Dance, Pastor Rob Sweeney, Ulster County Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis, Ulster County Poet Laureate Kate Hymes and FAMILY Board Member Evelyn Clarke.
Sponsorship support for the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award has been provided by CPW, Basch, Keegan & Spada, and Kellar, Kellar & Jaiven.
Tickets on sale now
In addition to taking part in the award celebration, ticket holders are entitled to access the Mohonk Mountain House grounds.
More about Kitt Potter
Some examples of the powerful work Kitt is doing include:
- Kingston Revealed, City of Kingston 150th Anniversary celebration of local artists.
- First-ever Native American Wiping Away the Tears-Winter Solstice ceremony in partnership with the Association of Native Americans of the Hudson Valley, and members of the Munsee, Esopus, and Ramapough Lenape nations.
- Municipal art plan, featuring many new public art installations.
- Long-delayed unveiling of Sojourner Truth “First Steps to Freedom” statue at Kingston City Hall.
Additional details about Potter and her work can be found in this newspaper profile.