Omi International Arts Center (founded by Time Equities chairman, Francis Greenburger) recently 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, were presented recently 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.
Francis 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.
Photos by Richard Lewin.
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