The Distinguished Artist Award is recognition by the Council to a professional artist who is considered a native or adopted son of Alabama and who has earned significant national acclaim for their art over an extended period.

• Jim Nabors, Honolulu/Sylacauga
• William Christenberry, Washington, D. C.
• Frank Fleming, Birmingham
• Fannie Flagg, Fairhope/Los Angeles
• Albert Murray, New York, N.Y.
• George Lindsey, Jasper/Nashville
• Nall, Troy/Fairhope
• Beth Nielsen Chapman, Montgomery/Nashville
• Rebecca Luker, Birmingham/New York
• Rick Bragg, Piedmont
• Dr. Everett McCorvey, Montgomery/Lexington, KY
• Eddie Floyd, Montgomery