_{36th Annual ARTS Specialty Awards}

Academy of Achievement

John Feizy

The Academy of Achievement Award honors an individual whose extraordinary vision, leadership, and influence have elevated the home and design industry, while inspiring peers and paving the way for future generations.

The 2026 award is being presented posthumously to John Feizy, who founded Feizy Rugs in Dallas in 1973, continuing his family’s four-generation tradition in buying and selling rugs. He grew the company into one of the largest manufacturers of fine rugs in the world, with flagship showrooms in Dallas, High Point, and Las Vegas serving interior designers, retailers, and clients across the country. Through his discerning eye, global sourcing, and investment in design and manufacturing, he transformed the business into a worldwide leader in fine rugs. For more than five decades, he exemplified entrepreneurial vision, craftsmanship, and innovation, building a legacy of excellence that continues as a family-run business today. It is for these achievements that John Feizy is honored with the Academy of Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals whose extraordinary leadership and influence have elevated the home and design industry and set enduring standards of quality and integrity.

HEARTS Award

Heart on Main Street

The ARTS Hearts Award honors individuals and organizations who exemplify leadership, generosity, and a commitment to community within the home and design industry. This meaningful recognition celebrates those who use their influence to give back, inspire others, and strengthen the industry through service.

Heart on Main Street, founded in 2023, is dedicated to strengthening independent retailers who serve as the backbone of Main Street communities. The organization provides essential tools, resources, and education to help small businesses refine their operations, evolve with changing times, and better serve their neighborhoods. Its impact has been especially powerful in times of crisis; through disaster relief efforts, Heart on Main Street has offered financial assistance, free inventory, and hands-on volunteer support to retailers devastated by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, helping dozens of businesses relaunch and remain vital anchors in their communities.

Beyond recovery, its monthly educational webinars have reached thousands of retailers, providing practical skills and strategies for long-term success. By combining immediate aid with ongoing guidance, Heart on Main Street not only uplifts retailers but also reinforces the heart of local economies, making it a truly deserving recipient of the ARTS Hearts Award.

Legendary Leadership Award

Bill Winsor

The Legendary Leadership Award honors an individual who has not only achieved esteemed recognition from industry peers, but who has also led with passion, and whose dedication has helped companies and individuals to flourish within the home industry.

Bill Winsor, the former chairman emeritus, president, and CEO of Dallas Market Center exhibited leadership defined by vision, innovation, and a deep commitment to people. Hand-picked early in his career by Trammell Crow to lead bold new ventures, he proved himself as a builder of groundbreaking marketplaces, first at INFOMART and then as president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. Over 20+ years, he expanded Dallas Market Center into an International location for trade, events, the largest marketplace in North America for residential lighting, and a successful open-daily design center. Beyond business growth, he was admired for his mentoring, always giving employees, customers, and all those between, the same dedication he gave to running a business.

For these reasons, he is honored with the Legendary Leadership Award, which recognizes not only the esteem he earned from industry peers, but also his passionate leadership of the home industry and his dedication to helping thousands of companies succeed.