The John Mason Arts Achievement Award

The “John Mason Arts Achievement Award” was established in 2001, to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the arts (dance, music, theatre, literature, visual arts or other art disciplines within the City of Fairfax Community.

2024 Award Winners

2024 John Mason Arts Achievement Award
The Honorable D. Thomas Ross

Councilman Tom Ross, now serving his second term, has been a Fairfax City resident for over 40 years.  A U.S. Air Force veteran, Tom has held leadership roles with the National Park Service and the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association. Locally, he has served as president of two neighborhood associations and as a Cub Scout Leader. If Tom’s face looks familiar, it is because he has attended so many of our City’s Cultural Arts events over the past four decades! What he loves most about our city’s art program is its diversity and the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of artistic experiences.  Through his enthusiastic support of the arts, he has encouraged residents of all ages to become active supporters, too.  

Past Award Recipients

2001 The Honorable John Mason

2002 Bonita Lestina

2003 Ray & Sharyl Abell

2005 Geoffrey Seffens

2007 Ellen Brouwer

2009 Dr. Joseph M. Kanyan

2010 The Honorable Jane Haycock Woods

2011 Geraldine Sherwood

2012 The Honorable Joan Weaver Cross

2013 Ruth & Tom Hill

2014 Adam Lister

2015 Robert Pouliot

2016 Jody Stein

2017 Kathleen Stark

2018 Armistice Turtora

2019 Joanna Ormesher

2020 Rick Dickson

2021 Roy Burgess

2022 Robert Golden    

2023 Michael DeMarco

Business for the Arts Award

The Business for the Arts Award is a prestigious award that was established in 2014 and is granted to businesses who have made significant contributions to the towards the              advancement (such as dance, theatre, music, visual arts, etc.) of the arts in the City of Fairfax community. This impact will directly affect the citizens of the city. 

 2024 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Franchisees Barry and Beverly Redler opened the Fairfax location of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in 2013.  The Freddy’s brand prides itself on upholding 3 pillars—quality ingredients for crave-worthy food, cleanliness and hospitality.  The last one extends beyond the doors, because they know the community in which they operate is the reason for their success; their special focus is on those who serve (namesake, Freddy Simon, was a WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient) and families/kids.  Supporting the local schools was a natural fit—from hosting the Fairfax High School marching band for lunch during their Tag Day fundraising drive to feeding the Choral Dept. during their Sing-a-Thon fundraiser, to           welcoming the FX Players to paint the front windows to promote their performances.  They want to return to the City of Fairfax the love and neighborly spirit with which they’ve been welcomed.

Past Award Recipients

2014 Kimco Realty Corporation

2015 Mark O’Meara

2018 Overture Fair Ridge

2019 Twin Ace Hardware

2020 Epicure Café

2022 Mara Hair and Mode

2023 Mobius Records