Jim Berkenstock to Receive Prestigious Winifred Boynton Creative Spirit Award
Door County, WI — Lawrence University invites the community to the 2026 Boynton Festival on Saturday, August 22, at Björklunden vid Sjön in Baileys Harbor. The community-wide event celebrates lifelong learning and the people, programs and experiences that make Lawrence University’s north campus a special part of Door County.
A highlight of this year’s festival will be the presentation of the Winifred Boynton Creative Spirit Award to Jim Berkenstock, founder and artistic director of Midsummer’s Music and its affiliate, the Griffon String Quartet.
Berkenstock will be recognized for the imaginative and far-reaching impact that Midsummer’s Music and the Griffon String Quartet have made throughout Door County and beyond. Presented to community luminaries since 2017, the Winifred Boynton Creative Spirit Award honors individuals who, through imagination, spirit and tenacity, have created something of significant impact and enduring value to Door County. Berkenstock’s decades of dedication to bringing exceptional chamber music to the community embody the spirit of the award.
The Boynton Festival festivities will begin with morning coffee and pastries on the Great Room deck, followed by an array of mini-seminars and opportunities for lunch and beverages. Guests can also enjoy festive music on the lawn and the rededication of the Boynton Chapel. The award presentation honoring Berkenstock and a celebratory toast will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Vail Hall. Those planning to attend the award program and celebration are encouraged to register in advance.
Community members are welcome to attend all or part of the day’s festivities. Additional festival details and registration are available through Lawrence University’s Boynton Festival webpage.
About Jim Berkenstock and Midsummer’s Music:
Jim Berkenstock is the founder and artistic director of Midsummer’s Music, which has brought world-class chamber music performances to intimate and distinctive venues throughout Door County for more than three decades. He also serves as artistic director of the Griffon String Quartet, Midsummer’s Music’s resident ensemble. Through performances, educational programming and community engagement, Berkenstock and Midsummer’s Music have helped make chamber music an enduring part of Door County’s cultural landscape.
An experience in every note.