Mildred Howard, a celebrated environmental artist from the Bay Area, has received the 2026 Artist Award from the Artists’ Legacy Foundation. The $25,000 prize recognises her impactful work, which encompasses assemblage, collage, and sculpture, often using salvaged objects to tell the stories of the Black American experience.

Howard’s influence extends beyond her exceptional art; she has been a mentor to many and a cornerstone of her community for generations. “The journey is nothing without taking someone along with you,” she told Hyperallergic.

Around the same time, the Art Gallery of Ontario announced the departure of its director, Stephan Jost, after a decade of significant accomplishments including major expansions and controversial acquisitions. It’s a reminder that the art world, like any other, evolves with leadership changes.

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants provided over $500,000 to 27 projects, supporting women, transgender, and gender-nonconforming artists. Among the recipients is Ifrah Mansour, whose work in the Somali nomadic dwelling known as aqal, draws on the past to heal the present.

In other news, Alex Katz, the 99-year-old icon, spoke candidly with Jeffrey Brown on PBS, discussing his unique approach to art and his upcoming exhibition with Matisse in Nice. Time to take a stand for your own unique artistic journey.