Omi International Arts Center announces 2013 Francis J. Greenburger Award winners
Five artists presented with awards totaling 50,000 USD
Yesterday, Omi International Arts Center presented five artists with the Francis J. Greenburger Award, an unrestricted lifetime achievement prize that honors established artists whom the art world knows to be of extraordinary merit but who have not been fully recognized by the public. Francis J. Greenburger invited a renowned artist, gallerist, writer, museum professional and collector to each select one recipient whom they believe to fulfill the mission of the award. The awards, totaling 50,000 USD, were presented in New York City on March 12, 2013 during a ceremony at the New Museum.
The distinguished group of artists and presenters included Bruce Porter, selected by artist Frank Stella; Peter Saul, selected by gallerist Mary Boone; Jonas Mekas, selected by writer, artist, and publisher Phong Bui; Richard Nonas, selected by MASS MoCA Director Joe Thompson; and Elaine Reichek selected by collector and patron Melva Bucksbaum.
“This year’s list of winners is extraordinary and offers a diverse look into what is going on in the contemporary art world today. We started these awards almost 30 years ago and have been inspired to continue them over the years to help today’s new generation of gifted artists fuel their creativity and gain the recognition they deserve,” said Francis J. Greenburger, Founder of Omi International Arts Center and Chairman of Time Equities Inc.
Greenburger founded the awards in 1986 after a conversation he had with his friends André Emmerich and Clement Greenberg, during which André said, “The best and brightest artist of each generation are known, but not to everyone. Ask the inner circle and they can tell you.” This statement is the inspiration and founding principle of the Francis J. Greenburger Awards.
Since 1986, Omi International Arts Center has awarded 39 artists the prestigious award and this year the award adds five new artists to its extraordinary roster of winners.
About Omi International Arts Center
Omi International Arts Center is a not-for-profit arts organization with residency programs for international visual artists, writers, musicians and dancers. The 300-acre campus is also the site for The Fields Sculpture Park, a public exhibition space with nearly 80 contemporary sculptures; Architecture Omi, exploring the intersection of architecture, art and landscape; and Education Omi, an arts education programs for children.
Contact: Vanessa Morin, Quinn & Co., T 212 868 1900, ext. 241 / vmorin [at] quinnandco.com
