(WIBW) - A famed National Geographic photographer is receiving the top honor from the Kansas Arts Commission.

KAC announced Tuesday the 2010 Governor’s Arts Awards recipients. This year’s honorees are Susan Craig, Lawrence (Arts Advocate); Elliott Pujol, Manhattan (Artist); Kevin Willmott, Lawrence (Artist); Doug Talley, Shawnee Mission (Arts Education); Emporia Arts Council, Emporia (Arts Organization) and the City of Hays (Arts Community).

In addition, Jim Richardson, a Kansas native and resident, will be honored with this year’s Distinguished Arts Award.

Richardson is a highly recognized photojournalist and social documentarian known for his photographs of western landscapes, rural life and visual explorations of small-town Kansas life. Richardson has produced more than 20 stories for the National Geographic Society and is a contributing editor of National Geographic Traveler.

He resides in Lindsborg and works as a freelance photographer. He and his wife also operate Small World: A Gallery of Arts and Ideas on the town's main street.

“The State of Kansas is proud to honor and recognize these outstanding artists, advocates, educators, cities and organizations,” said Governor Mark Parkinson. “These awards call attention to the creative spirit that captures the magnificence of our state, contributes to our culture and inspires future Kansas artists.”

The Governor’s Arts Awards are given annually to distinguished Kansas artists, patrons and arts educators, and have been given annually since 1974 by the governor and the Kansas Arts Commission. An expert panel, consisting of members of the Kansas Arts Commission, a representative from the Governor’s office and arts professionals, selected the winners from submitted nominations.

“Each year the Governor’s Arts Awards celebrate the dedication to artistic and cultural enrichment made by individuals and communities,” said Kansas Arts Commission Chairman John Divine. “The commission is proud to recognize these Kansans – artists, educators, advocates, patrons and communities – for their accomplishments and efforts in support of the arts.”

Winners will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Washburn University’s Memorial Union Washburn Room. Governor Mark Parkinson has been invited to attend the ceremony to present the awards.