Bunnell Street Arts Center is pleased to announce that Homer artist Desiree Hagen has been selected to receive the Alex Combs Award.  The $1500 award supports continuing education for Alaska artists in painting, ceramics or sculpture. The award was established by Bunnell Street Arts Center  in 2009 to honor the artistic legacy of Alex Combs, a painter, potter and ceramic sculptor. He taught art in Alaska from 1955 to his death in 2008. Combs, along with Keith Appel, Saradell Ard and William Kimura, is considered one of the major developers of modern art in Alaska, expanding art appreciation for both his students and viewers. Bunnell has awarded $7500 since 2009 to Alaska artists statewide. Previous Combs Award recipients from Homer include Steve Collins, Kathy Smith and Ahna Iredale. Desiree Hagen will use the award  to attend a sculpture workshop in North Carolina with Pam Brewer  at Penland School of Crafts.