The MAX
Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame Awards
The Story
The MAX is an experiential museum celebrating Mississippi’s cultural contributions across music, visual arts, performing arts, and literature. To honor its Hall of Fame inductees, The MAX sought awards that would reflect both prestige and artistic innovation. They approached Bennett Awards to design a striking, custom recognition piece that would serve as a permanent symbol of achievement for legendary artists and cultural figures. Bennett collaborated with The Godwin Group to translate the museum’s mission and identity into a sculptural award that embodies creativity, legacy, and impact.
The Design
The awards feature a freestanding geometric obelisk inspired by The MAX’s logo. Fabricated from aluminum using an extrusion process, the sculptures were bead-blasted and black anodized for a sleek, modern finish. Laser engraving was applied directly to the aluminum, featuring The MAX logotype, award name, and recipient name. Each award stands approximately 12 inches tall, creating a visually impactful presence suitable for display in homes, offices, or museum collections.
The Craftsmanship
Each award was precision-extruded and machined from aluminum, then bead-blasted and black anodized to achieve a refined, uniform finish. Laser engraving ensures crisp, permanent personalization of the award name, recipient name, and museum branding. The combination of high-quality materials and meticulous fabrication results in a durable, timeless recognition piece.
The Impact
These awards honor the legacy of Mississippi’s most influential artists and cultural icons, providing a lasting tribute to their contributions. The 2017 Hall of Fame recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Morgan Freeman, and Jim Henson. Each award serves as a symbol of achievement and inspiration while elevating The MAX’s mission to celebrate the state’s artistic and cultural impact.