Frank Stella Named National Medal of Arts Winner

"Washington, D.C. - "What you see is what you see," the painter (and sculptor) Frank Stella said of his paintings in 1964. Nearly four decades later, at a ceremony held at the White House yesterday, he had the opportunity to see a gold medal placed around his neck, as he was honored with the National Medal of the Arts, alongside 11 other recipients, by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama."

"The highest award presented to artists in the United States, the National Medal of the Arts dates back to 1984 and has previously honored artists including Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O'Keefe, Robert Motherwell, and Jasper Johns. Previously architects who have netted the prize include Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei, and Michael Graves."

For those unfamiliar, Frank Stella designed the statue (pictured above) in the Lower Circle. It is called "Princess Natalie" and it was commissioned by Ruth and Marvin Engel. We are so proud to have the work of a National Medal of the Arts winner right on our doorstep! Congratulations, Frank.