Create Baltimore Announces 2026 Sondheim Art Prize Finalists

BALTIMORE — Create Baltimore has announced the five finalists for the 2026 Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize, one of the region’s most prestigious honors for visual artists. The finalists — Thea Canlas, Leigh Davis, Brandon Donahue-Shipp, Curran Hatleberg, and Danni O’Brien — will have their work featured this summer at the Walters Art Museum.

Now in its 21st year, the Sondheim Art Prize continues to spotlight artists who are pushing creative boundaries while contributing to Baltimore’s vibrant cultural landscape. The finalists were selected by a panel of respected jurors: Lauren Haynes, Jinny Khanduja, and Shellyne Rodriguez.

The finalists’ work will be on view from June 25 through September 13, 2026, marking the first time the exhibition will be held in the Walters’ Hackerman House. In the months leading up to the exhibition, each artist will collaborate closely with museum curators to develop and install their work — an experience widely regarded as a valuable part of the competition.

During the exhibition period, jurors will meet individually with each finalist for in-depth conversations about their work. Following those interviews, one artist will be selected to receive the $30,000 grand prize. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony hosted by the Walters in August.

The 2026 finalists represent a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. Their work spans sculpture, photography, painting, installation, and interdisciplinary practices, often exploring themes such as identity, memory, grief, and cultural history. From Thea Canlas’ exploration of diasporic Filipino identity to Danni O’Brien’s imaginative, queer-centered installations, this year’s cohort reflects both local and global narratives rooted in contemporary art practice.

Since its inception in 2005, the Sondheim Art Prize has played a key role in elevating artists connected to the Baltimore region. Named in honor of Janet and Walter Sondheim, the prize celebrates a legacy of civic and cultural leadership that helped shape the city’s arts community.

As Baltimore continues to position itself as a hub for creative innovation, the Sondheim Art Prize remains a powerful platform for artists to gain visibility, connect with new audiences, and further their careers — all while contributing to the city’s rich artistic legacy.