Yungchen Lhamo Receives 2026 Distinguished Artist Award

Yungchen Lhamo recently received another prestigious award - the 2026 Distinguished Artist Award presented by the City of Kingston in New York State, USA.

In a ceremony at Kingston’s City Hall on 25th June 2026, Yungchen was presented with the 2026 Distinguished Artist Award and a Certificate of Honor by Mayor Steven Noble (who wore a Tibetan shirt for the occasion), the Kingston Arts

Commission, and the Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs. She also received a Certificate of Recognition from New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey, and a Citation from New York State Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha.

Over 200 people attended the ceremony, including members of the Tibetan Community of New York & New Jersey - who presented khatas and offered momos. Yungchen will keep the perpetual trophy for two years, during which time she will undertake two public community projects in Kingston.

Mayor Noble said: “We are pleased to award the Distinguished Artist Award to Yungchen Lhamo. We are humbled by her service and commitment to the Kingston community. I would like to thank the Award’s fiscal sponsor Midtown

Kingston Arts District, the committee and selection panel, and the Radio Kingston Tech Team for their support. I welcome all to join us at the awards!”

Lisa Kelley, Chair, Kingston Arts Commission, said: “We on the Commission are proud to present this award to Yungchen. Her name aptly translates as ‘Goddess of Melody’. She has performed benefit concerts at Old Dutch Church in Kingston over the years, participated in the annual Dream Festival, and contributed her kindness to our Kingston community in other quiet ways. Congratulations to Yungchen on her distinguished career and great care for our community.”