Julia Meek seems to be a ubiquitous presence in Fort Wayne. Who hasn’t had the experience of hearing her on the radio one day, seeing her at Hyde Brothers the next, sharing a house with someone who has her art on a T-shirt and looking at pictures of her romantic but unconventional wedding on Facebook – all within a week? Well, maybe not everyone has had that experience, but some of us have – and it doesn’t take much special effort to achieve it.

A talented graphic artist, she has beautifully captured some of Fort Wayne’s most treasured landmarks and scenic stops with art that has graced everything from notecards to the aforementioned T-shirts. Her understanding of what makes our city tick, even if it’s a building which no longer stands but remains seared into the hearts and memories of the locals, is impeccable. No doubt that understanding comes from her deep understanding of roots, the kind of folk music and lore which she shares with the city through her radio show as well as in her interactions with all of the people lucky enough to spend a few minutes with her.

She has also used her radio forum to help Fort Wayne meet its talented musicians, practitioners of all kinds who radiate in the warmth she projects on-air. Not everyone in the city hangs out at the local bars and clubs where many of the bands and performers ply their trade, but Meek extends a hand and continually coordinates shows which catch lightning in a bottle, week after week. Her melodious and recognizable voice has become a central feature at NIPR where she hosts Folktales and Meet the Music, two shows which allow her to share two of her great passions.

Although a local legend in her own right, Meek seems determined to shine the light on others, which makes her honor as a Liddell Award winner at the 2014 Whammys particularly sweet for anyone who appreciates her selfless promotion of what this city has to offer. An active community volunteer, she has poured her heart and soul into Fort Wayne. And on Whammy night, Fort Wayne was able to show some love in return.

“I was asked to come to present some awards, so I wasn’t expecting this at all; it was a complete surprise,” said Meek moments after the presentation.

Presented the award by Doc West, a previous winner of this award, and Bob Roets, who was to be honored with one just moments later, Meek wasn’t expecting the tribute on stage to be for her. As Roets listed her many accomplishments, which included an early Whammy as Best Visual Artist, and noted her 30 years with WBOI, Meek moved to the stage, clearly stunned. Shortly after, she talked about what makes her so happy to help put this city on the map.

“I was born and raised in Fort Wayne – I’m a ‘Forthead,’” she said. “I love Fort Wayne and love all the music that makes Fort Wayne so special.”

Meek is also no stranger to C2G, the Whammy venue for the second consecutive year. She regularly visits the site with a live version of Meet the Music, providing her talented co-stars an opportunity to really share their music in more open spaces. While she loves to laud the talents and accomplishments of others, she admits that part of her disbelief when she was presented with the Liddell Award was that she isn’t used to being lauded herself.

“I’m usually on the other end of these things, and that’s where I like to be. I just love what I do and don’t think anything about it. I spend an inordinate amount of time with music and the arts, so being at something like this where so many are honored is a special treat.”

In the excitement backstage, with Meek, West and Roets gathering for photos, there was a definite mutual admiration society at work. Meek shared a story about she and her husband stumbling into Roets and his wife Cindy while both couples, unbeknownst to each other, were hiking in Zion National Park in Utah. Roets says he has a great friendship with Meek and talks of their pleasure in helping each other promote music in Fort Wayne.

“She has me on her show, helps me to promote National Record Store Day or some of the music that’s appearing at Wooden Nickel. And I help her out too, giving her a hand with the Meet the Music shows at C2G. So winning this award with her is a real honor.”

West, himself honored with another Whammy for Favorite Radio Personality this year, probably summed it up best as he was congratulating her moments after her presentation.

“She scares me she’s so good.”