Eminent Artist Award Winners

Each year, beginning in 2008, The Kresge Foundation recognizes an exceptional artist in the visual, performing or literary arts for his or her professional achievements and contributions to Metropolitan Detroit’s cultural community. The award, which includes a $50,000 prize, is unrestricted and is given annually to one artist who has lived and worked in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb Counties for a significant number of years. Read below to learn more about Kresge’s Eminent Artists.

2009 Marcus Belgrave – Performing Artist

Inspired at a young age by Louis Armstrong, Belgrave is a master jazz trumpet player who has enthralled audiences worldwide with his virtuosity and mentored students of all ages, recounting the counsel his father shared with him: “Music will take you places you could never imagine.” Read a profile of the artist, the full press release, the monograph, and view a video of his work.

2008 Charles McGee – Visual Artist

Hailed as a “father figure to generations of artists,” McGee has devoted much of his life to teaching and mentoring. Read a profile of the artist, the full press release, and view a photo gallery of his work.