ArtsBuild Honors Chattanooga Arts Leaders
Local sculptor Isaac Duncan III and museum director Virginia Anne Sharber receive the 2026 Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards
ArtsBuild has announced that sculptor and educator Isaac Duncan III and Hunter Museum of American Art executive director Virginia Anne Sharber are the 2026 recipients of the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award. The annual honor recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the arts throughout Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
Why it matters
The award celebrates the legacy of the late Ruth Holmberg by highlighting figures who carry forward her mission of strengthening the local community through artistic development. It serves to honor those whose work significantly shapes the cultural fabric of the Chattanooga region.
ArtsBuild presents the award annually to exactly two individuals who exemplify their mission to build a stronger community. The award honors the late Ruth Holmberg, who supported the local arts scene for 70 years.
The players
Isaac Duncan III
He is a Chattanooga-based sculptor and educator recognized for his contributions to the local arts community.
Virginia Anne Sharber
She serves as the executive director of the Hunter Museum of American Art.
ArtsBuild
This organization promotes the arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County through advocacy, funding, and community programming.
Ruth Holmberg
She was a prominent arts patron in Chattanooga whose 70 years of support are honored by this annual leadership award.
The details
Recipients are chosen for their significant contributions to the arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. This annual recognition has been presented since 2014, when Ruth Holmberg herself received the inaugural award.
Timeline
2014 was the year the first Arts Leadership Award was presented.
2026 is the year Isaac Duncan III and Virginia Anne Sharber received the award.
Culture Shift
The award marks a continuation of a long-term commitment to institutionalizing arts patronage in Chattanooga. By honoring specific local leaders, the organization reinforces the shift toward community-driven cultural support systems that prioritize long-term regional development.
Residents can engage with the local arts scene by supporting the work of the featured honorees at their respective institutions. The award highlights the importance of sustained community participation in fostering regional creative development.
The takeaway
Recognizing local arts leaders helps cultivate a stronger, more connected community environment. Residents are encouraged to visit local museums and studios to support the ongoing creative work being honored this year.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural recognition in the Chattanooga Awards section.
