Senator Pam Helming presented a New York State Senate Commendation Award to Trisha Kuntz, widely known as The Purple Painted Lady, in recognition of her extraordinary impact as an artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose work has transformed lives across Wayne County and beyond.

Kuntz was honored during a surprise presentation at the 13th Annual Purple Painted Lady Festival on Saturday, September 20. The two-day event, held on her property in Palmyra, has grown into one of the largest and most beloved art festivals in Western New York.

Featuring nearly 400 artists and attracting thousands of attendees each year, the festival raises tens of thousands of dollars to support local nonprofit organizations. This year’s proceeds will benefit Embrace Your Sisters, an organization that provides emergency financial assistance to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment in 13 counties across the Finger Lakes.

The New York State Senate Commendation Award is one of the Senate’s highest honors. It is awarded to individuals whose contributions have made a lasting and meaningful impact through civic leadership, charitable work, or volunteer service.

Senator Helming said, “From supporting veterans and food banks, to nonprofits serving women and children, to now helping families facing breast cancer—Trisha has quietly, consistently, and generously poured herself into making a difference. Her reach extends far beyond these festival grounds, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has empowered artists, supported nonprofits, inspired generosity, and changed lives. Trish Brubaker is a true community treasure.”

The Board of Directors of Embrace Your Sisters adds, “Trisha is a generous business owner who is dedicated to helping charities in our community. Trisha works tirelessly to put together the tremendous Purple Painted Lady Festival to benefit so many organizations. This year, Trisha selected to support Embrace Your Sisters as Breast Cancer impacts so many people. Not only has she chosen Embrace Your Sisters as the charity of choice, she also arranged for the Rochester Regional Health Mobile Mammography Center to have a day in Wayne County at her shop. This is a great testament to her support of breast cancer and early detection.”  

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