Documentary on Idaho artist wins national award

A documentary produced for Idaho Public Television’s arts series “createid” has won recognition from the national Daytime Emmy Awards.

“SARA: A Life in Dreams and Symbols” took top honors in a new category, Outstanding Regional Content in a Daytime Genre.

“SARA” celebrates the life and work of Idaho artist Sara Joyce (1923–2011), who worked in a variety of mediums, including painting, fabric and sculpture. It was produced and written by Marcia Franklin and directed and edited by Andy Lawless.

Before 2025, programs from local stations weren’t eligible to enter the Daytime Emmy Awards, which generally recognize national programming. The IdahoPTV program, which had already won a Northwest Regional Emmy Award in 2024 in the Arts/Entertainment Long Form category, competed with programs from the 19 regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“From the moment I first saw Sara’s compelling art, I thought it deserved a wider audience,” Franklin said in a Nov. 20 news release. “So I’m thrilled that her story has resonated with so many people and has received this inaugural award from the Academy.”

Lawless said it's "quite the privilege to have a hand in telling the story of this remarkable artist, and an honor to see our portrayal of Sara’s life work so well received."

Heidi Linehan, Joyce’s daughter, said working with Franklin and Lawless was extraordinary.

“This award is a recognition of their vision and creative talent and is truly special for our family," she said.

IdahoPTV Director of Content and Operations Scott Graf said this project epitomizes what Idaho Public Television works to do each day: Tell great stories about the people, places and history that make Idaho so special.

“This award reinforces that commitment and is something we’re all very proud of," Graf said.

Info: idahoptv.org/createid