More than 20 individuals will be celebrated at the inaugural Hammonds House Honors on Thursday, September 12 at the Southwest Arts Center. The event, hosted by “Greenleaf’s” Lamman Rucker and Monica Pearson, is a celebration of creatives who elevate the visual art of the African Diaspora and the philanthropists that support them.
“It’s a signature event that perfectly aligns with our mission and enables us to elevate black visual culture,” said Leatrice Ellzy, executive director of Hammonds House Museum. “The proceeds from Hammonds House Honors will help us continue to present the great art, thought-provoking public programs, and cultural and educational programming our audiences expect.”
Artists will be recognized across seven categories. Tina M. Dunkley will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and the O.T. Hammonds Philanthropy in the Arts Award will be presented to Vicki and John Palmer.
The winners in the other categories will be announced on the night of the event. The nominees are:
Emerging Artist Award: Adrianna Kaya Clark; Travis Love; Zora Murff; Stacy Lynn Waddell
Creators Award: Miya Bailey; Chilly-O; Melissa Mitchell; Toni Williams; Dubelyoo Wright
Artistic Excellence Award: Sheila Pree Bright; Jerushia Graham; Lonnie Holley
Curatorial Excellence Award: Gia Hamilton; Faron Manuel; Jamaal Sheats
Spriggs-Fuller Award for Arts Leadership: Jontyle Theresa Robinson, Ph.D.; Mary Schmidt-Campbell; Franklin Sirmans
The Spriggs-Fuller Award for Arts Leadership is named in honor of Ed Spriggs, founder and first executive director of Hammonds House Museum and Myrna Fuller, executive director of Hammonds House Museum from 2004-2017. Fuller, a resident of the city of South Fulton, was named to the city’s Public Arts Commission in 2018.
Hammonds House Honors will kick off with a cocktail reception at 6:15 p.m., followed by the award show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at hammondshouse.org/events.