A ‘Grand’ Performance: UWG Welcomes Pianist Artina McCain to Carrollton, Newnan for Inaugural Blackwell Prize in Music Share this page
The discipline of music has joined the creative family of Blackwell Prizes at the University of West Georgia, who will be hosting its inaugural awardee, pianist Artina McCain, in Newnan and Carrollton later this month.
“We have always had an eye toward expanding the portfolio of Blackwell Prizes, and music has long been a desirable destination,” said Dr. Chad Davidson, UWG’s executive director of global engagements and cultural programming. “We can showcase not only performers like Artina McCain but also composers in the future. Music offers an immensely open and fertile field from which to select the most suitable candidates.”’
An Evening with Artina McCain, Winner of the 2025 Blackwell Prize in Music – a $10,000 award made possible by the Fred R. and Nell W. Blackwell Testamentary Trust of Newnan – will be held at UWG Newnan on Tuesday, April 22. On Sunday, April 27, McCain will be at the main Carrollton campus in the Humanities Building Atrium. Both shows are free and will have a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. performance. Registration is required.
UWG faculty member Dr. Sarah Elias described McCain’s style as, “expressive, playful and brilliant.”
“Artina focuses on works by underrepresented composers, especially those of African American heritage, but plays with excellence the full expanse of standard classical repertoire as well,” continued Elias, assistant professor of music in piano.
The Blackwell Prizes as a whole allow the spread of education and immersive artistic experiences far beyond the confines of UWG’s campuses, Davidson explained. While in residence, artists visit with community members; offer free and open presentations, exhibits and performances; and travel to area schools to interact with other students in master classes and Q&As that allow students to envision creative and successful futures as professional musicians.
“In this way, UWG becomes synonymous with these rarified encounters with artistic luminaries,” mused Davidson.
“A prestigious award like the Blackwell Prize encourages emerging talent to share their gifts beyond the local audience,” added Elias. “Supporting contemporary artists not only provides opportunities for renewed creativity and a focus on their craft but also brings their enthusiasm to a younger generation, allowing students to experience a direct connection with a successful professional artist who offers mentorship, inspiration and admiration. In turn, the musicians are afforded time to enhance their skills.”
The Blackwell Prizes recognize high achievement in writing, observational painting, music and filmmaking. The first filmmaking prizewinner, Anu Valia, will be visiting UWG in Fall 2025.
Winners are in residence in Newnan at Gray Cottage for at least two weeks, and deliver readings, artist talks, demos, performances, screenings and exhibits for the surrounding communities. Each prize is valued at $10,000.
“We’re grateful for the support pledged to us by the Blackwell Trust and for the vision of Fred and Nell Blackwell,” Davidson concluded. “Their generosity affords us the great privilege of hosting these fantastic artists, who are performing at the peak of their professions.”