The Kentuck Festival of the Arts, now in its 55th year, concluded its awards ceremony on Saturday, granting a total of $12,200 to fifteen talented creators. Clay artist Luis Gutierrez earned the coveted Best in Show honor, while a diverse group of painters, mixed‑media makers, fiber artists, and jewelers received Merit Awards and Awards of Distinction.

Judging criteria and winners

Judges Timothy Weber and Kim Mitchell evaluated each exhibitor on quality, originality, design, composition, technique, and overall presentation. The full list of awardees is as follows:

• Best in Show: Luis Gutierrez – clay (Booth B‑46)
• Award of Distinction: Kristin Schillaci – photography (A‑60); Danilo Vinardell – mixed media (A‑41)
• Merit Awards:
  • Astou Dioum – fiber (A‑22, A‑23)
  • Erikan Ekefrey – mixed media (B‑25)
  • John Fesken – mixed media (A‑55)
  • Jackie Haliburton – mixed media (B‑48)
  • Monica Iversen – two‑dimensional (C‑25)
  • Liping “Penny” Jackson – two‑dimensional (C‑19)
  • Ronald Lewis – two‑dimensional (A‑52)
  • Don McWhorter – clay (A‑15)
  • Ashley Sauder Miller – fiber (D‑45)
  • Scott Vaughn Owen – mixed media (B‑29)
  • Angie Spears – mixed media (B‑22)
  • Jason Stoddard – jewelry (A‑42)

Festival details for Sunday

Sunday marks the final day of the festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 270 artists will be on display across Snow Hinton Park. Single‑day tickets cost $15, and children twelve and under enter free with a paying adult. Tickets are sold at the front gate.

General‑admission parking is located on the north side of the park, between Snow Hinton Park and University Mall. A complimentary shuttle runs from the University Mall lot to the festival grounds, making it easy for families and visitors to attend.

Recognition and community impact

Earlier this month, Sunshine Artist Magazine named Kentuck the sixth‑best festival in the nation in its Fine Art and Design category of the 2026 “200 Best” list. The ranking is based on sales artists reported earning at each show in 2025, underscoring the festival’s role as a vital market for regional creators.

Celebrating its 55th edition, the Kentuck Festival continues to draw artists, collectors, and art lovers from across West Alabama, reinforcing Tuscaloosa’s reputation as a cultural hub. The event provides a platform for emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike, fostering a vibrant creative economy that benefits local businesses and families.

Stay connected

For additional coverage of arts and culture in West Alabama, readers are encouraged to follow the Tuscaloosa Thread and its social channels.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.