The Des Moines Arts Festival has announced Jill Wells as the ninth recipient of the G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts. The recognition is given each year to an individual or organization that “fully embodies innovation within the arts” and honors the legacy of the late G. David Hurd, former CEO of Principal Financial Group and a community leader noted for his involvement with the Des Moines Arts Festival. Trudy Holman Hurd recognized Wells at the preview celebration, a private reception held at Wellabe’s sculpture park. Wells, a graduate of Drake University is a local mentor and artist whose work explores the intersection of accessibility, disability, inequality, race, and history, utilizing tactile and Braille-infused public art. “Jill Wells was selected because she pushes boundaries and has challenged our community to be better,” Stephen King, executive director of the Des Moines Arts Festival, said in a prepared statement. “Dave would be particularly proud of her work mentoring younger people and leveraging her talent to explore the intersection of accessibility, inequality, race and history.”