Smithsonian Craft Show Partners With Nonprofit Organization Honoring the Future to Announce Sustainability Prize

Prize Recognizes Artist’s Work on Climate Change
April 5, 2017
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Painting of lotus leaf

The Smithsonian and Honoring the Future today announced that the “Honoring the Future Sustainability Award” will be presented April 26 at the Smithsonian Craft Show’s preview night. Twenty-one artists from 14 states are vying for the award.

The award, which comes with a $1,000 prize, recognizes an artist whose work educates the public about climate change or inspires or models a sustainable response to climate change. Lloyd Herman, founding director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, will serve as judge. 

“The Sustainability Award showcases artists who are pioneers in sustainable design and helps the Craft Show support the Smithsonian’s goal of understanding and sustaining a biodiverse planet,” said Kathy Sommerkamp, Craft Show co-chair.

The Sustainability Award is the result of a partnership between Honoring the Future and the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. Honoring the Future is a nonprofit project dedicated to harnessing the power of art to educate, empower and engage the public on climate change.

“To build a better world for our children and grandchildren, we need to tackle climate change and art holds the key,” said Fran Dubrowski, director of Honoring the Future. “Art has the power to move hearts as well as minds—art focuses attention, compels reflection, taps creativity and inspires innovation. Art can transcend political divides and focus us on climate solutions. The artists applying for this award show us how.”

About the Smithsonian Craft Show

In 2017, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Smithsonian Craft Show. Proceeds from the Craft Show are distributed to the Smithsonian’s 28 museums and research centers (including the National Zoo) through an annual competitive grants program. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee has awarded almost $12 million in grants and endowments. For a list of recent grants, visit www.smithsoniancraftshow.org.

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