The Hayes/Wood Legacy Lecture & Award celebrates the enduring influence of Grant Wood by recognizing those who, like him, use creativity to illuminate the human experience. This annual program honors artists, scholars, and cultural leaders whose work expands understanding, sparks dialogue, and builds connection across communities.

Each year, the Legacy Lecture invites audiences to engage with a leading creative voice whose work reflects Wood’s belief that art is both personal and communal; a force that can shape empathy, understanding, and transformation. The accompanying award honors an individual whose contributions exemplify authenticity, innovation, and integrity in the arts.

This program, envisioned by founder James P. Hayes, extends Wood’s legacy into the present, nurturing a conversation about the role of art in today’s complex world. It reminds us that creativity is not a luxury but a necessity; something that binds us together and helps us make sense of our shared story.