MONTGOMERY, Ala., (February 17, 2026) — Every other year, the Alabama State Council on the Arts shines a spotlight on exceptional Alabamians and their contributions to arts and creativity in our state, across the nation, and beyond. The agency is pleased to announce the names of seven individuals who will be honored during the 2026 Celebration of Alabama Arts awards ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
“This program highlights our appreciation for the artistry and creativity that abounds within our state – and the people who make it possible,” said Elliot Knight, executive director of the Council on the Arts. “Through their tireless dedication and remarkable achievements, each honoree in the 2026 cohort has played a vital role in shaping Alabama’s cultural landscape.”
This year’s award recipients and categories follow:
- Eric Essix, guitarist, recording artist, photographer – Alabama Distinguished Artist Award
- Scott Wright, musical artist – Jonnie Dee Riley Little Lifetime Achievement Award
- Ralph Frohsin Jr., arts patron – Albert B. Head Legacy Award
- Gary Waldrep, old-time musician, teaching artist – Alabama Folk Heritage Award
- Debbie Bond, musician, teaching artist – Alabama Arts Impact Award
- Gary Chapman, artist, professor emeritus – Alabama Arts Impact Award
- George Culver, arts administrator, producer – Alabama Arts Impact Award
The work of these remarkable individuals will be recognized and celebrated with mini-documentaries and memorable tribute performances during a free event on the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) in Montgomery.
Tickets are complimentary but must be reserved through the ASF box office. Visit this link or call 334-271-5353 for ticketing details. For more information about this year’s event and honorees, go to arts.alabama.gov/celebrate.
About Alabama State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Alabama. The Council works to expand and preserve the state’s cultural resources by supporting nonprofit arts organizations, schools, colleges, units of local government, and individual artists. Arts programs, assisted by Council grants, have a track record of enhancing community development, education, cultural tourism, and overall quality of life in all regions of the state. Alabama State Council on the Arts grants are made possible by an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and additional funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.