21ST Annual UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame to be held on April 21

By Debbie Hall

Returning for its 21st year, the UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame Gala will take place at the beautiful Wynn Las Vegas on April 21, honoring a distinguished group of recipients whose accomplishments illuminate the richness and vibrancy of cultural life in Southern Nevada.

The Hall of Fame, founded in 2003, honors individuals and groups who have had a lasting impact on the visual, performing, and architectural arts, all of which help define and promote Las Vegas as one of today's most emerging and successful international arts destinations.

The annual ceremony not only honors artistic excellence but also underscores the essential role the arts play in building community and fostering cultural connection. This year’s honorees represent a dynamic cross-section of creators and innovators whose work demonstrates imagination, forward-thinking, and a commitment to advancing their respective fields.

Photo by Brian Friedman, B-Freed Photography

One of those being honored is Mat Franco, the last winner of "America's Got Talent" who turned his win into a headlining residency at The LINQ Hotel + Experience.

When asked what advice he would give to current University of Nevada, Las Vegas students hoping to build a career in entertainment or magic, "Be undeniable by putting in the reps. There’s no substitute for getting in front of real people and figuring out what actually connects. That’s how you find your voice. In entertainment, especially in magic, it’s about creating moments people feel and remember. Stay consistent, keep improving, and focus on what makes you different. The rest tends to follow.

Another honoree is Cindy Doumani, the most influential leader in Las Vegas entertainment and the creator and producer of some of the city's most significant productions and venues. And the third honoree is Francisco Menendez, who will be honored posthumously for his lasting legacy to film education and filmmaking.

Torrey Russell, founder of Broadway in the HOOD, will receive the Koep Dean’s Medal in recognition of his ongoing efforts to expand access to arts education and deepen community engagement. Guided by his vision, The Legacy Theatre of Excellence was recently opened to foster creativity, culture, and community—offering opportunities for artistic expression and education accessible to everyone.

Jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant is set to receive the CFA Limelight Award, celebrating his ongoing influence on the vocal jazz scene.

As a jazz vocalist, he feels, in many ways, “like a historian. It’s a true privilege to help preserve the Great American Songbook and the art form of jazz. Through my work and music, I hope to bring people joy, move them emotionally, and perhaps introduce the genre to those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience it.”

The moments in his career that led to this recognition, "began with a series of meaningful moments, both within my own work, whether through live performances or creating new recordings, and through my involvement in Las Vegas with organizations that support music and help bring more jazz to our community. The word 'limelight' makes me feel like I'm standing center stage. Recognition is always deeply appreciated, and while it can bring a sense of responsibility, my mission remains the same: to keep moving forward, sharing beautiful music, and bringing people together through it.”

This year’s Alumni of the Year honors will go to Wendy Kveck and Iñaki Sandoval for both their accomplishments as creators and their work as educators of future generations of artists. Additionally, for the first time, the Hall of Fame will present a Global Impact award to Sphere Entertainment (its executive chairman and CEO is James Dolan). The Community Impact Award will go to Denise Wunderlich for her advocacy for arts and music education and for emphasizing the importance of community involvement in those efforts.

In addition to honoring the 2026 class, the evening will also mark the 25th anniversary of Nevada Conservatory Theatre, whose productions and educational initiatives have been foundational to the region's theatrical ecosystem.

The professional theatre training program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is directed and led by Kirsten Brandt, the Department of Theatre's Executive Director/Artistic Director, and governed by the Department of Theatre's faculty. NCT serves not only as an artistic and technical producing arm of the Department of Theatre but also as a national model for other theatre training programs seeking to connect academic activity with professional theatre experiences.

Under the College of Fine Arts at UNLV, the Theatre Department serves as an important resource for students and faculty, enabling them to participate in the creative process through artistic training, research, scholarship, and community involvement. The Theatre Department's mission is about more than just performing; it also involves enabling faculty and students to conduct significant research and create art that contributes to the University and the larger community of artists around us. The Theatre Department strongly believes in mentoring, and many of our faculty have years of experience and provide valuable guidance to students as they begin their careers as artists.

The Hall of Fame Gala stands not only as a celebration of individual achievement but also as a testament to the enduring power of the arts in shaping Southern Nevada’s cultural identity and future.

The Gala will be held at the Wynn on April 21. The Cocktail Reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m. For accessibility and accommodations, please visit unlv.edu/finearts/hall-of-fame for more details. Click here to purchase tickets.