In 1997, FWA took over the reins of the Artist of the Year Award formerly hosted by the Tucson Festival Society.  In keeping this Tucson tradition alive, FWA not only honors and brings attention to the artists and their fine work but also keeps a permanent collection of lithographs from the artists.

Each year, along with the original piece of art donated to FWA, the Artist of the Year selects an additional piece of work from which a lithograph is created as a gift for the attendees of the festivities.  After the event, these lithographs are also available to the public for purchase.