Awards of Sport / Since 1984
Celebrating Murray Henderson, 2026 Sport Artist of the Year.
Meet the 2026 recipient
A tribute to the artist and the athlete
From the intensity of competition to the grace of movement, sport inspires extraordinary art. The Sport Artist of the Year Award honors artists who capture that spirit for future generations.
The 2020s
The latest chapter in a celebration of artists who capture the spirit of sport.
Painter · Lakefield, Ontario, Canada
Henderson’s “Exact Abstract” style combines detailed portraiture with expressive abstraction, layered color, and energetic paintwork to capture the emotion and movement of sport.
Celebrate the 2026 honoree at ASAMA’s reception and award ceremony on November 9, 2026, from 5–7 p.m.
Painter · Springfield, Ohio
Painter · Louisville, Kentucky
A former professional baseball player, Sullivan brings the energy of the game to watercolor and oil paintings.
Painter · Homewood, Alabama
Known for his detailed, realistic style, Skipper works in oils, pastels, acrylics, and pencil.
Painter · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2010s
Painting, sculpture, and graphic art meet in a decade of award recipients.
Painter · Atlanta, Georgia
After a career in commercial creative work, Lester turned his focus to expressive paintings of athletes in action.
Painter & sculptor
American Sculptor
Australian Painter
American Graphic Artist
American Sculptor
Hungarian Sculptor
Painter · Ghana & New York
The 2000s
Discover the artists behind unforgettable interpretations of athletes and competition.
Painter · New York City, NY
Neiman brought the action of sport to vivid, energetic paintings, often working live at major sporting events.
Painter · Austin, TX
Painter · Birmingham, AL
Painter · Athens, Greece
Painter · Croatia & Australia
The 1990s
Explore a decade of distinctive voices, styles, and sporting subjects.
Painter · Argentina & CA
Painter · Brooklyn, NY
Rizzi’s bright, playful compositions celebrate everyday life, from the streets of New York to the ballpark.
Painter · Boston, MA
Painter · Fort Myers, FL
Illustrator · NY
Illustrator · New York, NY
Painter · Santa Barbara, CA
Painter · Valladolid, Spain
Painter · West Port, CT
Sculptor · Salt Lake City, UT
The 1980s
Return to the earliest recipients, beginning with Ernie Barnes in 1984.
Sculptor · Cazenovia, NY
Painter · New York, NY
Painter · Dallas, TX
Painter · Ridgefield, CT
Painter · Los Angeles, CA
The first Sport Artist of the Year, Barnes captured the passion and elegance of sport. He was honored again in 2004.
