With no further ado, we announce the finalists for New Times' first-ever Big Brain Awards. The award was created to recognize emerging creatives in metropolitan Phoenix -- and let us tell you, we had our work cut out for us, narrowing the list from more than 150 to 15.
The winners in five categories -- plus a surprise sixth winner! -- will be announced Saturday, May 22 at New Times' 40th Anniversary Party at Madcap Theaters in Tempe. Winners will receive $1000 (per category).
Tickets may still be available.
We'll be sharing more details about the finalists soon here on Jackalope Ranch, but here are the names:
DESIGN Jay Atherton & Cy Keener Mark Dudlik Seesaw Design
FILM Nathan Blackwell Robert Kilman & Safwat Saleem Saxon Richardson
ONLINE MEDIA CenPho.TV Light Rail Blogger Monster Commute
PERFORMING ARTS Tricia Moore Kara Roschi Marcelino Quinonez
VISUAL ARTS Peter Bugg Spencer Hibert Jen Urso