Hooks Institute Names Winner, Finalists for Inaugural Art Award 

‘The Story is Not Over’ by D.Weaver Wins Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award 

October 7, 2024 — The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis selected The Story is Not Over by Memphis-based artist D.Weaver as the inaugural winner of the Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award.   

His piece was chosen out of an impressive group of submissions on the theme, The Beauty of Change for the first-ever art award from the Hooks Institute. Weavers’s piece, along with the other finalist works, can be viewed in the exhibition at the Dr. Ralph Faudree Exhibition Hall in the Hooks Institute offices during public open house events Oct. 22 and Oct. 29.   

Named in honor of Frances Dancy Hooks, the award is the first of its kind for the institute and is designed to acknowledge the importance and impact of artists in the work of social change. The winner and finalists were chosen by a committee of fellow artists, including Dr. Richard Lou, professor of photography at the University of Memphis; Lurlynn Franklin, artist, writer and arts educator; Lakeisha Edwards, executive director of the Urban Arts Commission; and Amy Ruggaber, assistant director of the Hooks Institute.   

Artist D.Weaver’s submission was chosen unanimously by the group as the winner.   

“It just hit the nail on the head, thematically, and is such a visually arresting piece,” said Ruggaber. The acrylic painting reflects on the conflict surrounding the desegregation of public schools after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this past May.    

Aside from The Story is Not Over, visitors to the public exhibition at the Hooks Institute will be able to view the 11 other finalist works, which represent commentary and response to a wide array of social change and justice issues.  The finalists on display in the exhibition include artists Gabrielle Yasmeen, Jessi Ujazi, Allyssa Martin, Lunarely, Mary Le, Bryant Walker, Kaylyn Webster and Sarah Wright. The art itself ranges from oil paintings to photography and sculpture.  

“We had an impressive group of submissions and such diversity of style and mediums – there is truly something for everyone in the exhibition,” said Ruggaber. “Visitors will see pieces that are beautiful, challenging and engaging. I’m excited for the public to be able to experience the work of these talented Memphis-based artists.”  

Public Exhibition Dates are Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5:30-7 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5:30-7 p.m. Tickets are free and are available on Eventbrite.  

For additional information and to reserve tickets, visit memphis.edu/benhooks. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Jennifer Godwin 
Director of Media and Public Relations 
jennifer.godwin@memphis.edu 
(O) 901.678.4822 (M) 501.529.7482 

Amy Ruggaber 
Assistant Director 
Benjamin L. Hooks Institute 
Amy.ruggaber@memphis.edu 
901.678.3655