Some of the South’s most exceptional contemporary artwork will be on display at Columbus State University’s Bo Bartlett Center beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2. The 2024 South Arts Southern Prize & State Fellowships for Visual Arts exhibition will showcase work by some of the region’s most talented visual artists.

Since its launch in 2017, the Southern Prize & State Fellowships program has championed the finest contemporary art emerging from the American South. It strengthens the region by advancing excellence in the arts, connecting the arts to key state and national policies, and nurturing a vibrant quality of life.

South Art provides vital support and recognition to artists representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Its nine state fellowships, each of which includes a $5,000 prize for the artist, have been awarded by a national jury based on artistic excellence that reflects the diverse creative expression of the South.

From among the nine state fellows, one artist receives the prestigious $25,000 Southern Prize for demonstrating the highest artistic excellence, while a runner-up will be awarded $10,000. Both Southern Prize recipients will also get a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center in Rabun Gap, Georgia.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, patrons and the community are invited to a reception at 6:30 p.m. celebrating the opening of both South Arts 2024 and “Hot Water” exhibitions. On Thursday, Oct. 2, beginning at 5 p.m., the center will host an artist talk featuring South Carolina fellow Charles Clary.

The exhibition is made possible through generous support from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and Southern First Bank, with additional sponsorship from the George & Ann Swift Family Foundation.

It is open for viewing through Saturday, Dec. 6, each Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for holidays. Admission is free.