By Ken Krall, WXPR News

One of the founders of ArtStart Rhinelander has picked up one of two awards from a state arts group.

Ken Juon will receive the recognition at the tenth annual Arts in the Community awards at the League of Wisconsin Municipalities conference Oct. 25, in Wisconsin Dells.

“Our arts in the community awards are all about civic champions,” explained Arts Wisconsin Executive Director Anne Katz. “People who put a lot of time, energy and heart into making the arts happen in their community. Ken is one of those people. He’s one of the best people we can think of to recognize for all the work he’s done for ArtStart and for Rhinelander and the Northwoods in general.”

Ken Juon said he was very surprised to hear of the award and said it was an honor for him, the city and ArtStart.

“The fact that we’re a small community but we’re able to do some big things, some really good things because it’s a collaborative. We got together with the city and a lot of other organizations to make this work over the years. A lot of hard work from a lot of individuals and organizations,” he added.

ArtStart came into being after the city purchased the former Post Office building on Stevens St. and leased it affordably to ArtStart. ArtStart opened in 2011. The latest accomplishment is the rebirth of the School of the Arts Legacy Program, being held this week at Treehaven near Tomahawk.

Ryan Heise of Egg Harbor also was given recognition.