Established in 1971, the Governor’s Arts Awards is produced biennially by the Tennessee Arts Commission and recognizes individuals and organizations whose contributions to the cultural life of Tennessee are outstanding. The awards themselves represent artistic genius from some of the finest working bellartists across the state of Tennessee.
2021-23 Award created by Tina Curry (Knoxville)2019 Award created by Joe Brown (Readyville)2017 Award created by Bill Capshaw (Oak Ridge)2015–Award created by National Ornamental Metal Museum (Memphis)2013–Award created by William Ralston (Bell Buckle)2011–Award created by Claudia Lee (Smithville)2009 Award created by Jack Hastings (Sewanee)2007–Award created by Brenda Stein (Nashville)2005–Award created by Curtiss Brock (Cookeville)2003–Award created by Roy Overcast (Brentwood)2001–Award created by Sylvia Hyman (Nashville)1998–Award created by Calvin Nicely (Knoxville)1996–Award created by Veda Reed (Memphis)1994–Award created by Mimi Dann (Memphis)1992–Award created by Rick Stewart (Kodak)1990–Award created by Paul Ritscher (Nashville)1988–Award created by Richard Jolley (Knoxville)1986–Award created by Helga Winter (Nashville)1980
