The 17th Annual Artys will take place on Thursday, January 27th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Steeple on St. Francis. This year there will be performances by The Symone French Trio, Chickasaw Civic Center, Mobile Ballet, Bent Broadway, and Mobile Opera.

This year, the arts organization is honoring Frida Schnitzler, Amanda Youngblood, the Downtown Mobile Alliance, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, Lawrence Specker, Mobile International Festival, Headphones On, William (Bill) Watts, Soynika Edwards-Bush, Mary and Charles Rodning, and Scott Wright. This year’s Arty awards, which are always an original work of art, are being created by mixed-media artist Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough.

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They enable and inspire us – fostering empathy, beauty, and creativity. The arts also bolster our communities socially, educationally, and economically – benefits that endure even during a pandemic that has been devastating to the arts. This year has been a challenge for all, and now more than ever it is essential that the Mobile’s arts community is recognized for their resilience and innovation. Artists continue to create, the ballet continues to dance, musicians keep on playing, and arts organizations remain accessible.

The Artys is Mobile’s ONLY arts award program that recognizes both impact and excellence in the arts. Now in its 17th year, this awards program has presented awards to individuals, businesses, and organizations who are dedicated to improving the arts and cultural scene in the Mobile area.