Artist Larry Walker Honored With Atlanta Contemporary Award

As a mentor, professor and artist, Larry Walker has made his mark. He is the latest recipient of the Atlanta Contemporary’s Nexus Award for his contributions to contemporary art in Atlanta.

Ranging from landscapes to collage, Walker has presented his work in more than 40 solo and 200 group exhibitions since 1971. His work is also in permanent collections across the country.

But Walker has been able to maintain a vigorous work schedule both in the studio and in the classroom. After teaching for 19 years in California at the University of the Pacific, he arrived in Atlanta in 1983 as the director of Art and Design at Georgia State University. He retired from teaching in 2000.

Reflecting on arts education and art practice, Walker said, “Whatever I did, it had to allow me to do what I wanted to do with my work, and it had to allow me to do something with people.”