Ryman Arts announced that the 5th annual Sklar Creative Visionary Award will be presented to Academy Award-winning Pixar Director and Vice President of Creative, Domee Shi, at Celebration of the Arts on May 8, 2025. This momentous event marks Ryman Arts’ 35th anniversary, celebrating 35 years of empowering artistic futures and deepening impact through arts education.
The Sklar Creative Visionary Award is presented annually by Ryman Arts to an individual whose distinctive contribution to the creative community and leadership in the arts has made a significant impact. Established in 2018 and named in honor of Ryman Arts co-founders Marty and Leah Sklar, the award reflects their lifelong commitment to nurturing creative talent and fostering the next generation of artists. Marty Sklar, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Leah Sklar were both champions of creativity and mentorship, values that remain at the heart of Ryman Arts. Domee Shi’s meteoric trajectory from storyboard artist to award-winning filmmaker, as well as her commitment to fostering new voices in visual storytelling, embodies the spirit of this award. Her dedication to representation, mentorship, and using her platform to uplift emerging talent aligns seamlessly with Ryman Arts’ mission of creating access and opportunity for young artists.
Domee Shi began her career at Pixar as a story artist on Inside Out and has since contributed to films such as The Good Dinosaur, Incredibles 2, and Toy Story 4. In 2018, she wrote and directed Bao, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. She made her feature film directorial debut with the Academy Award-nominated Turning Red and is currently working on her latest feature, Elio, set to premiere in June 2025. As a Creative Vice President at Pixar, Shi plays a key role in shaping the studio’s creative direction and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers.
“We are honored to recognize Domee Shi as the recipient of the 5th annual Sklar Creative Visionary Award,” said David A. Price, Ryman Arts Board President. “Her leadership, creativity, and passion for fostering new talent perfectly reflect the values of Ryman Arts. Her work has not only shaped the animation industry but has also inspired countless young artists to embrace their own creative journeys.”
Bob Weis, Disney Author, and Former President of Walt Disney Imagineering and 2024 Sklar Creative Visionary Award Honoree, echoed this sentiment, “Marty and Leah Sklar always believed in the power of creativity to change lives, and I know Leah is thrilled to see Domee Shi recognized with this award. Domee’s innovative storytelling and dedication to mentoring emerging talent make her an ideal recipient of the Sklar Creative Visionary Award, and a perfect example of the legacy Marty and Leah aimed to celebrate.”
Previous recipients of the Sklar Creative Visionary Award include Kevin Feige (Marvel Studios), Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli), Ruth E. Carter (Academy Award-winning costume designer), and Bob Weis (former Disney Imagineering President).
The award will be presented at Celebration of the Arts on May 8, 2025 at Grand Central Air Terminal on the Walt Disney Imagineering campus – a special 35th anniversary event that celebrates decades of impact and artistic excellence. The evening will feature a unique art show, a fireside chat with Domee Shi, exclusive auction opportunities, and more, all benefiting Ryman Arts. Guests will enjoy a night of artistic discovery and creative inspiration while supporting the next generation of visionaries. Tickets will be available on March 19.
