National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) to Honor LaQuan Smith and Amanda Williams at Annual Fine Art + Fashion Benefit

The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) will host its 19th annual Fine Art + Fashion Benefit on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Atlanta History Center. Presented in partnership with Neiman Marcus, the event will honor prominent figures in fashion and visual arts, including designer LaQuan Smith and artist Amanda Williams.

Smith will receive the Fashion Designer Extraordinaire Award, and Williams will be presented with the Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Arts. Stylist J. Bolin will also receive special recognition for his contributions to fashion and entertainment.

In addition to the main honorees, NBAF will highlight emerging talent through its NextGen Artist Youth Program, featuring student exhibitions and presentations. The organization will announce winners of its Fashion Forward Student Design Competition and the NextGen Visionary Artist Competition during the event.

The Fashion Forward winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a feature at Neiman Marcus Atlanta. The NextGen Visionary Artist will receive a $250 cash prize and an exhibition opportunity.

“NBAF is excited to continue its tradition of highlighting and celebrating talented African American artists in Fashion and Visual Arts at our 19th annual Fine Art + Fashion event,” said Stephanie Owens, Executive Director of NBAF. “We are extremely honored to honor some truly amazing artists this year while also uplifting the next generation of talent.”

Fine Art + Fashion is a key fundraiser supporting NBAF’s year-round programming, with an emphasis on youth arts education and opportunities for artists of African descent. The benefit includes a fashion show, dinner, cocktails, and award presentations.

Sponsors include the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Neiman Marcus, Georgia-Pacific, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, The Atlantan, and WABE.

For tickets and additional information, visit nbaf.org/fine-art-fashion.