Houston Endowment, a private foundation that supports the city’s arts, public parks, civic engagement, and public education needs, has announced the 2025 recipients of its Jones Artist Award.
Launched in 2023, the award is named after Houston Endowment’s founders, Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones. The annual program was established to recognize local emerging artists and has honored 27 artists since its inception.
As in past years, the organization collaborated with the Weingarten Art Group to manage the submission process. Interested applicants were asked to submit work related to the theme of rituals. This year’s awardees are Melissa Aytenfisu, Lotus Bermudez, Bradley Kerl, Carolina Otero, Anat Ronen, Margaux Crump, Abbie Preston Edmonson, Jamie Sterling Pitt, and Richard Poe.
In a press release, Ann B. Stern, the foundation’s President and CEO, commented, “The artists selected to receive a 2025 Jones Artist Award bring fresh perspectives and new mediums to the program, enabling us to recognize the breadth and depth of the artistic community in Houston. The success of local creators is essential to a strong arts sector which, in turn, brings vibrancy to our region.”
“Between Me and You.” Photo by Nicki Evans
Awardees will be showcased in exhibitions at the Houston Endowment headquarters throughout the year. Between Me and You, featuring works by Melissa Aytenfisu, Lotus Bermudez, Bradley Kerl, and Carolina Otero, will be on view through May 16, 2025. A solo exhibition of work by Anat Ronen will run from May 27 through September 12. Chasing Light, featuring Margaux Crump, Abbie Preston Edmonson, Jamie Sterling Pitt, and Richard Poe, will be on view from September 22, 2025, through January 9, 2026.
Learn more about the artists and the exhibitions via the Houston Endowment website.
