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COLUMBUS—Columbus ceramicist and metal worker Isys Hennigar has been announced as a South Arts State Fellow of Visual Arts, a prestigious honor that will be bestowed on May 13.

Hennigar’s work has earned her a $5,000 grant and a coveted spot among eight other artists vying for the Southern Prize award. This highly competitive award offers an additional grant of $25,000 to the winner of the competition. As part of her recognition, Hennigar will also be featured in a series of public events, including a touring exhibition at the Art and Culture Center in Hollywood, Florida.

Established in 2017, the Southern Prize and State Fellowship program aims to bridge the funding disparities for nine artists and nine writers across the region. New this year, South Arts will be recognizing nine writers in its inaugural announcement of the Literary Arts State Fellows. 

“Supporting artists is a key component of our mission,” says Susie Surkamer, South Arts President and CEO. “We are thrilled to celebrate our nine visual arts awardees this year and expand our work into the literary arts field.”

Hennigar graduated from Polk County High School in 2013, received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her work has been featured in exhibitions across the nation, including the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, Calif., Sow & Tailor Gallery in Los Angeles, Signature Contemporary Craft in Atlanta, Ferrara Showman Gallery in New Orleans, and the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.