Austin Visual Arts Association's Inagural Austin Visual Arts Awards [Tonight]

For over thirty years, the Austin Visual Arts Association (AVAA) has supported area artists behind the scenes and behind the canvas by organizing weekly classes to foster artistic talents, arranging discussion panels to encourage conversations about art, and assembling exhibits to give exposure to deserving artists. Tonight, AVAA will host the first ever Austin Visual Arts Awards to recognize the many talented creatives that call Austin home. The awards ceremony will take place at the Austin Museum of Art Downtown beginning at 7pm. Tickets to the awards may be purchased online or at the door for $25.00 - admission includes a cocktail reception and networking event.

Nearly two dozen art organizations and professional associations participated in the selection process to assemble the list of inaugural nominees. The selection committee included the directors of local museums and galleries, Robert Faires, art writer for the Chronicle, and Carl McQueary from Texas Art Collectors. Winners will be presented with a bronze metal designed by sculptor Bob Coffee - the accolade is being called a "Fearing Award" in honor of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, William Kelly Fearing. Tonight's Master of Ceremonies will be former state legislator and longtime art supporter, Bill Keese. Artist Christina Venson will be unveiling her temporary, site-specific installation at the the event. Venson, a UT student and sculptor was asked to create a new work outside AMOA for the annual Holiday Stroll.

Follow this post after the jump for a complete list of 2009 Award Finalists.