Auburn-based visual artist Jeff Schmuki has been named the 2026 Alabama Fellow for Visual Arts through South Arts’ Southern Prize and State Fellowships program, one of nine state fellows named across the South.
Each state fellow receives a $5,000 cash prize and advances for consideration for the Southern Prize for Visual Arts, which carries an additional $25,000 award and a two-week residency at the Hambidge Center. A finalist receives an additional $10,000. The regional program, established in 2017, awards $80,000 in total each year.
South Arts announced the 2026 class on July 23.
Sources: The Auburn Plainsman reported the award locally; program details from South Arts.
Opelika Daily News — Friday Report, August 7, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
