Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham Tourism Office, in partnership with the City of Effingham, proudly recognized local artist Drew Hanfland as the 2026 recipient of the Leonardo Nierman Award during the Effingham City Council meeting held on May 5, 2026.
Presented annually as part of the Sculptures on the Avenues outdoor exhibit, the Leonardo Nierman Award honors an artist whose work has made a meaningful impact on the community. Now in its 28th year, the rotating exhibit brings a diverse collection of sculptures to Effingham’s downtown corridors, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with public art in everyday spaces.
Hanfland first participated in the 2025-2026 exhibit with his three-part series, “You Hold Peace,” installed outside Joe Sippers Café. The piece, featuring three oversized hands working together to convey a message of unity and shared responsibility, quickly became a community favorite. Throughout the year, it received strong support through the program’s public voting process, where individuals are invited to submit their favorite sculpture for consideration.
“Drew’s work truly resonated with our community,” said Executive Director Jodi Thoele. “You Hold Peace was not only visually impactful, but it encouraged reflection and connection, something that public art does at its very best.”
Hanfland returns to this year’s exhibit with a new installation, “Leave a Message,” which has already drawn attention and interaction from visitors. Located once again near Joe Sippers Café, the piece invites the public to engage directly, further strengthening the connection between art and community.
The Leonardo Nierman Award is named in honor of the late artist Leonardo Nierman, whose Flame of Hope sculpture stands as a permanent fixture in Effingham and a symbol of the program’s lasting legacy.
For more information about Sculptures on the Avenues, or to explore this year’s exhibit, visit visiteffinghamil.com/things-to-do/art-culture/ or follow Visit Effingham on social media.
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