2026 Celebration of Alabama Arts exhibition

April 13 – June 26, 2026

Free Admission

Every other year, the Celebration of Alabama Arts shines a spotlight on arts and creativity in Alabama and on individuals who make significant and impactful contributions to our state’s rich cultural landscape. Featuring meaningful objects from each honoree’s career, this exhibition sheds light on the myriad ways these Alabamians champion the arts. The honorees served as co-curators for their sections, selecting items that encapsulated pivotal moments in their careers or artifacts of personal significance, which gives the viewer a behind-the-scenes look into their artistic journeys.

The 2026 cohort of honorees includes Eric Essix (guitarist, recording artist, and photographer from Birmingham); Scott Wright (musical artist and arts administrator from Mobile); Ralph Frohsin Jr. (arts patron from Alexander City); Gary Waldrep (old-time musician and teaching artist from Sand Mountain); Debbie Bond (musician and teaching artist from Northport); Gary Chapman (artist and professor emeritus from Birmingham/Good Hope); and George Culver (arts administrator and producer from Talladega/Homewood).

The Celebration of Alabama Arts exhibition seeks to provide a visual record of the hard work of these individuals and to complement the awards ceremony on May 14. Join us in acknowledging the artistry and creativity that abounds within Alabama – and the people who make it possible. Learn more at arts.alabama.gov/celebrate.

The Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery is located on the first floor of the RSA Tower in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Details on past galleries and exhibitions featured in the Alabama Artists Gallery can be found here.

The gallery is free and open to the public, Monday–Friday, 1:00 pm–4:45 pm, or by appointment with Council staff.

For more information, please contact Gallery Manager Amy Jenkins at 334-242-5150 or amy@arts.alabama.gov.