TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Creative Campus Initiative will host the second annual Al Arts Award Gala May 3 in Morgan Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Former UA student Stephen Tyler Davis will be the emcee for the evening. Entertainment critics for the Creative Campus online publication The Missing Ink will nominate the best performers from the theatre and dance departments.

Winners will be announced during the ceremony and receive an Al trophy in the shape of an elephant. Performances from "Dance Alabama!" and "Side Show" will also take place during the gala.

Presenters will include Hollywood film producer Billy Fields, Tusk Editor Mark Hughes Cobb and SGA President R.B. Walker.

A dessert reception and photo opportunities with Big Al will follow the gala. Cocktail attire is requested.

The tickets for this event are $5 and can be purchased in Maxwell Hall. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. For more information on ticket prices please call 205/348-SHOW.

About Creative Campus: The Creative Campus, Creative Community Initiative of the University of Alabama is an unprecedented student group that will focus on broadening the scope and deepening the experience of the arts and cultural opportunities on the UA campus and in the Tuscaloosa community.

About UA: The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.