MasterMind Awards 2012

Nominations are now open for the fourth annual MasterMind Award competition honoring the best in Houston arts.

Once again, the Houston Press is looking for artists of all types who are changing our creative and cultural landscape in the Houston area. Past honorees have included chefs, members of the visual and performing artists, as well as a musician who takes his knowledge to some of the poorest kids in the city.

And once again, we're calling on you for nominations. If you know of one of these life-changing artistic types, please send in their name and something about them to us. If you want to nominate yourself, by all means do so. And please don't limit yourself to the genres of past winners. We're very proud of all of them, but we'd also be pleased to see some scriptwriters, street performers and show choirs in the mix.

Three winners will each receive a check for $2,000 along with a plaque at a special ceremony that is part of the Press's annual Artopia Party, celebrated at the Winter Street Studios on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Reminder: This is not a lifetime achievement award, nor is it a popularity contest. It is about artists doing cutting-edge work right now. Nominees need not submit proposals outlining how they'd use the money.

A committee of Press representatives will evaluate the potential honorees in each field, and then pick winners whose cultural and creative contributions are helping to redesign — and redefine — where we live.

Deadline for nominations: 5 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011. To nominate someone, e-mail masterminds@houstonpress.com or send your nominations to MasterMinds Nominations, Houston Press, 1621 Milam, Houston, TX 77002.