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The 2026 Milley Awards for Creative Achievement on October 18th will be an evening to remember.

It will begin with a wine reception featuring savory appetizers by Lima Nikkei, the new Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Mill Valley’s El Paseo.

A lavish buffet by Marin caterer Debbie Ghiringhelli, with select wines by Mill Valley vintners will follow. Emcees Celeste Perry and Abby Wasserman will present bronze Milley statuettes to five creative artists with deep roots in Mill Valley, accompanied by tribute videos by local videographer Kit Larson.

The evening will be capped by a musical performance by singer-songwriter Emilie Raines.

The honorees were selected from public nominations by the 2026 judging panel of Erma Murphy, Joan Murray, Rona Weintraub and Valentina Gnup.

Genna Panzarella is an internationally known chalk-painting maestra and a teacher who excels in many arts media.

Brian Narelle is an actor, puppeteer and humanitarian whose work encompasses the performing arts—stage, film, television and live arts.

Valerie Andrews has devoted her career to deeply exploring the nature of place and home in her many books and articles.

Sharon Valentino’s multiple volunteer years as an Arts Commissioner have vitalized the city’s commitment to public art and strengthened official arts policies. George Daly is a music producer and technical wizard who is also a composer in his own right.

Tickets are $125. To order, go to milleyawards.org and click on “tickets on sale now!.”

The Milley Awards have been held every October at the Mill Valley Community Center since 2003, except for a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. The event is a feel-good hometown event that celebrates Mill Valley’s legacy as a community where the arts continue to thrive.

Text 415-497-0427 with any questions.