The Mobile Arts Council and Wind Creek Hospitality announced that nominations for the 2016 Artys were open. The annual awards celebrate the individuals, groups, and businesses that strengthen Mobile’s cultural community.
More categories than ever
This year’s Artys expanded to 11 categories, up from eight the previous year. Honors included Lifetime Achievement, Patron, Arts Educator, Artistic Innovation, Visual Artist, Performing Artist, Literary Artist, Artistic Design, Business, Organization, and Art Soldier.
Nominations could be submitted through October 26 via the council’s nomination link. Winners in each category were to be announced at the ceremony and presented with a limited-edition award designed by Susie Bowman, owner of the Kiln Studio and Gallery – a different local artist chosen each year to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
The big night
The awards ceremony was scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2017, at 7 p.m. at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti St. Tickets were on sale to the public, with Mobile Arts Council members eligible for a discounted price. Organizers projected the event would be the most memorable Artys to date – and expected it to sell out.