 Artist of the Year Mary Heilmann describes them as “serious and deep and cheesy at the same time.”

The 2013 rendition of the art awards appeared in Art in America and featured selfies of the nominees.2010 saw Pruitt's sprawling solo show “Pattern and Degradation,” which was considered confirmation of his part of the art establishment.The show was held at Gavin Brown and spilled over to the nearby gallery Maccarone Inc.