To recognize outstanding achievement and contributions to arts and creativity in Indiana, the Office of the Governor with the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) present the Governor’s Arts Awards, the highest honor the state gives in the arts. These awards honor those who maximize their roles as innovators, supporters and advocates to grow arts and creativity on the state or national level.

2023 Governor's Arts Award recipient Bryan “Breadwig” Ballinger is a muralist, toy designer, professor, and children’s book author and illustrator. His murals can be found in towns and cities across Indiana. Bryan has done illustration work for companies such as Nintendo, Disney and Scholastic and was the 3D Design Lead for 5 years at Big Idea Productions, the producers of the “VeggieTales” children’s videos. Bryan teaches digital media arts at Huntington University in Huntington and is currently a visiting artist for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for the next year. He has three new picture books coming out in the next year, including “The Big Wig Parade” in October. Bryan also loves doing author visits to Indiana elementary schools. View more of Bryan’s work at his website - https://www.breadwig.com/

Directed and Produced By William Bryant Rozier

Director of Photography and Main Editor - Zachary Vessels