Join us in celebrating the individuals and organizations who inspire creativity, shape culture, and make a lasting impact on our local arts scene. Through recognition and storytelling, we spotlight the visionaries whose contributions uplift the arts and enrich our community.

Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to enriching lives through the joy and power of the arts. Located in New Smyrna Beach, ACA serves as a catalyst for creativity, offering interdisciplinary artist residencies, community engagement, and dynamic artist collaborations that inspire self-discovery and cultural connection — all within the embrace of a serene natural environment.

Founded by visionary artist and environmentalist Doris Leeper, ACA is guided by the values she championed:

• The creative spirit must be nurtured

• There is a powerful connection between the arts and the natural environment

• Supporting artists fosters innovation and expands cultural capacity both locally and globally

ACA continues to honor this legacy by creating transformative experiences for artists and the community alike. One of its signature events is IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, a beloved annual celebration that brings thousands together to experience exceptional visual art, live music, and cultural engagement in the heart of New Smyrna Beach.

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Thays Franca was destined to be an artist. A graduate of the School of Fine Arts, she brought her bold, colorful style to Ormond Beach in 2015 and has been transforming the local art scene ever since.

Thays made an early splash by introducing the paint-and-party concept to the area but soon transitioned from “fun art” to fine art, establishing the Thays Art Gallery & Studio. From there, she became a driving force behind the 1st Saturday Ormond Beach Art Walk, helping grow a vibrant arts community.

In 2020, Thays completed Ormond Beach’s first city-approved exterior mural — a vibrant depiction of the 1904 beach racing scene — on the wall of the Ormond Garage Brewery and Restaurant. Now, alongside Art Spotlight partner Teri Althouse, she’s set to complete a new mural on their building — continuing her mission of coloring the town, one mural at a time.

As co-founder of Art Spotlight, Thays now leads efforts to elevate the creative landscape of Ormond Beach by promoting all art forms in a collaborative, inclusive space.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including:
• Top 40 Under 40 by The News-Journal
• Best in Volusia by East Coast Current Magazine
• Top Women in Business in Volusia County
• Winner of the 3-part War of Art series

Despite media attention and awards, Thays says her greatest reward is “the smile on someone’s face when they’re admiring my work.” Inspired by nature, travel, and her role model Frida Kahlo, Thays continues to paint commissions, large-scale murals, and inspire the community through her vibrant vision and signature flair.

As the Theatre and Dance teacher at Atlantic High School, Amanda Aubry has inspired countless students through her passion, creativity, and dedication to the performing arts. Her unwavering commitment to fostering self-expression, confidence, and artistic excellence has cultivated a vibrant and inclusive environment where young performers truly thrive.

​

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Amanda began her dance training at the Otto M. Budig Academy of Cincinnati Ballet. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. As a professional dancer, Amanda has performed with Peak Ballet Theatre of Colorado, Carnival Cruise Lines, Ballet Theatre Midwest, and Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre. She currently serves as Co-Director and performer with RAKR Dance.

​

Amanda began her teaching career at Atlantic High School in 2009 as the Director of Dance and has recently expanded her role to include Theatre Director. She has brought to life a wide range of large-scale dance productions, including Maleficent, Jumanji, Willy Wonka, Avatar, and Percy Jackson. This year, she reached an exciting milestone by directing her first musical, Chicago.

​

Through innovative productions, tireless mentorship, and a deep love for the craft, Amanda continues to make a lasting impact on the future of performing arts in our community. Passionate about education, she remains dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of performers.

Kristen Kinsella Brinley is a dedicated and passionate visual arts educator who has made a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. After earning her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Syracuse University in 1991, Kristen spent a decade working as a graphic designer before returning to pursue her lifelong dream of teaching art. She received her master’s degree in art education from Syracuse in 2003.

Kristen went on to teach high school art in upstate New York for 14 years before relocating to Florida in 2016. Since then, she has brought her energy, expertise, and creativity to DeLand High School, where she teaches AP Art, Portfolio Design, Photography I & II, and Studio Art.

Her commitment to excellence in arts education is reflected in her students, who consistently achieve top honors in county, state, and national exhibitions and competitions. Kristen’s ability to inspire, challenge, and support her students has made her a respected leader in the field and a beloved mentor to many.

A talented and dedicated senior at Deltona High School, David Root has distinguished himself as a rising star in the performing arts. With a deep passion for music and an unwavering commitment to excellence, David has captivated audiences and inspired his peers. His leadership, discipline, and artistic growth have set him apart as a true emerging artist. This fall, David will take the next step in his creative journey by pursuing a major in Music Education at Stetson University, where he aims to share his love of music and inspire future generations.

Rebekah Rengifo is a senior at DeLand High School and a shining example of dedication, talent, and artistic excellence. Over the past four years, she has completed every 2-D art course available at the school, including Studio Art, Drawing I & II, Portfolio Development, AP 2-D Studio Art, and AP Drawing.

A passionate and driven young artist, Rebekah spends every available moment honing her craft, both in and out of the classroom. She actively participates in Advanced Program Art workshops and has submitted work to nearly every competition available to her—earning numerous awards at the school, county, community, state, and national levels.

Her exceptional work and commitment to growth have earned her the distinguished honor of being a 2025 National Scholastic American Visionary Award Nominee—a testament to her creative vision and artistic promise.

Rebekah’s future in the arts is bright, and this award celebrates not only her achievements but the exciting path ahead.

Cynthia “Cici” Brown is the recipient of the inaugural Arts VoCo Legacy Award, which honors an individual whose enduring contributions have shaped the cultural and artistic fabric of our region. A passionate philanthropist, visionary leader, and lifelong supporter of the arts, Cici’s impact on Volusia County and beyond is nothing short of transformative.

Since arriving in Daytona Beach in 1965, Cici has championed creativity, nurtured talent, and empowered organizations with unwavering generosity. Her work with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) spans over five decades, including three years as President of its Board of Trustees. In 2015, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art opened, housing the most extensive collection of Florida-themed art in the world — over 2,500 works dating back to the early 1800s.

In 2023, the Browns made history by announcing a $150 million endowment to MOAS — the largest gift ever made to the museum — funding the construction of a new 60,000-square-foot facility to further expand access to Florida’s rich artistic heritage.

Cici has also served as a founding member of the Cultural Arts Council of Volusia County, a board member of the Florida Humanities Council, and a long-standing trustee of Stetson University, where she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2007.

Her leadership and civic service extend into countless organizations, including the Junior League, the Garden Club of the Halifax Country, the Palmetto Club, where her mother also served, and more. In every endeavor, Cici leads with vision, compassion, and a deep belief in the power of the arts to inspire and connect communities.

Tonight, we celebrate Cici Brown’s lasting legacy — one built on generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to making art an essential part of life for generations to come.