City of You creator wins state award

YOUNGSTOWN

RJ Thompson, the force behind the “City of You” project, was recognized for his achievement at a Friday event.

Thompson, a Youngstown State University assistant professor of graphic and interactive design, won the Ohio Governor’s Award in the Arts for Community Development for the project.

He will receive the award at a May 15 event in Columbus.

The award is a statewide program that honors the arts.

On Friday, some of those involved with the project had a luncheon in YSU’s Pollock Room at Kilcawley Center to honor Thompson.

“This work affects so many people in so many ways,” Thompson said. “I’m proud I was able to make this for those who live, work and thrive here.”

The “City of You” is a marketing and advertising program for Youngstown that supports local culture, events and programs since it started in 2016.

Read more about the impact of the project in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.