Children’s Harbor is proud to announce Alabama artist Porter Rivers as our 2026 Artist of the Year.
Throughout the coming year, Porter will partner with Children’s Harbor to create meaningful artwork and experiences benefiting families of seriously ill children across Alabama. From live painting events to exclusive fundraising pieces, his work will help support the mission of providing refuge, respite, and resources to the families we serve.
Selected by the Children’s Harbor Junior Board, Porter is the third artist to receive this recognition, following previous Artists of the Year Lila Graves and Dirk Walker.
Known for his watercolor homes, landscapes, and live paintings, Porter creates art rooted in comfort, connection, and the preservation of meaningful memories — values that closely reflect the Children’s Harbor mission.
“Porter’s work captures the peace we hope every family experiences through Children’s Harbor,” said Allie Hendrix, Junior Board Co-Chair. “His ability to preserve meaningful moments through art aligns beautifully with our mission of creating spaces where families can find comfort, belonging, and lasting memories together.”
For Porter, the partnership is deeply meaningful.
“Being selected as Artist of the Year for Children’s Harbor is both an incredible honor and a deeply humbling opportunity,” Porter shared. “As an artist, I hope to convey a sense of calmness through my work — something that Children’s Harbor continues to provide to so many families across Alabama.”
Originally from Selma, Alabama, Porter draws inspiration from the architectural details of southern homes, rolling farm hills, and riverbanks that surrounded him growing up. His artistic journey first began with watercolor homes and a desire to “preserve memories in watercolor.” While his mediums and subjects have evolved over time, the heart of his work remains the same: preserving memories in color.
Throughout 2026, Porter will support Children’s Harbor through several signature events and initiatives, including:
- The 20th Annual Friends of Children’s Harbor Auction at Willow Point Golf & Country Club, where a one-of-a-kind Porter Rivers piece inspired by lake life and the Children’s Harbor mission will be featured in the Live Auction
- A live painting experience during the Arts Dinner, part of Birmingham’s Fork & Cork Chef’s Dinner Series
- Artwork featured on the 2026 Children’s Harbor Christmas Card
We are grateful to Porter for sharing his talent, creativity, and heart with Children’s Harbor, and we look forward to celebrating this partnership throughout the year ahead.
To learn more about upcoming Children’s Harbor events, visit childrensharbor.com
