High Museum Of Art Names Artist Jamal D. Cyrus Recipient Of 2020 David C. Driskell Prize

The High Museum of Art today announces artist Jamal D. Cyrus as the 2020 recipient of the David C. Driskell Prize in recognition of his contributions to the field of African American art. Awarded annually by the Museum since 2005, the prize demonstrates the High’s ongoing dedication to furthering innovation and research of African American artists and scholars.

Cyrus will receive the $25,000 cash award and be honored at the 16th annual Driskell Prize Dinner at the High on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the dinner support the David C. Driskell African American Art Acquisition Restricted and Endowment funds. Since the prize’s inception, the funds have supported the acquisition of 50 works by African American artists for the High’s collection.

Established by the High in 2005, the David C. Driskell Prize is the first national award to honor and celebrate contributions to the field of African American art and art history. Past recipients include Huey Copeland (2019), Amy Sherald (2018), Naima J. Keith (2017), Mark Bradford (2016), Kirsten Pai Buick (2015), Lyle Ashton Harris (2014), Andrea Barnwell Brownlee (2013), Rashid Johnson (2012), Valerie Cassel Oliver (2011), Renee Stout (2010), Krista A. Thompson (2009), Xaviera Simmons (2008), Franklin Sirmans (2007), Willie Cole (2006) and Kellie Jones (2005). A cash award of $25,000 accompanies the prize. Proceeds from the High’s annual Driskell Prize Dinner support the David C. Driskell African American Art Restricted and Endowment Acquisitions funds, other ongoing African American initiatives and expenses associated with the David C. Driskell Dinner. The current balance of the David C. Driskell African American Art Acquisition Endowment Fund is $1 million. Through the David C. Driskell African American Art Acquisition Restricted Fund, the High has acquired works by artists including Romare Bearden, Rashid Johnson, Radcliffe Bailey, Nick Cave, Willie Cole, John T. Scott and Renee Stout.

David Driskell (American, born 1931) is a practicing artist and scholar whose work on the African Diaspora spans more than four decades. The High’s relationship with Driskell began in 2000 when the Museum presented the concurrent exhibitions “To Conserve a Legacy: American Art from Historically Black Colleges and Universities” and “Narratives of African American Art and Identity: The David C. Driskell Collection,” which examined African American art in the broad historical context of modern and contemporary art. Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Driskell is distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Maryland,College Park. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1955 and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Catholic University in 1962. He also attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine in 1953 and studied art history in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1964. More information about Driskell is available at www.driskellcenter.umd.edu.

Jamal Cyrus. Photo by Ronald Jones.

Based in Houston, Texas, Jamal D. Cyrus works across media in a conceptual, research-driven practice that interrogates American history within the framework of black political movements, the influence of the African Diaspora and social struggle. Encompassing object-based to performance art, Cyrus’ work is a form of self-education, aiming to rectify gaps in the understanding of cultural and national heritage.

Art Institute of Chicago Acquires Monumental Tiffany Stained Glass Window

The Art Institute of Chicago announced this week the acquisition of an extraordinary memorial window, attributed to Agnes F. Northrop and made by Tiffany Studios in 1917. Originally commissioned for the Central Baptist Church (now known as Community Church of Providence) as the gift of Mary L. Hartwell in memory of her husband, Frederick W. Hartwell, the window is a pinnacle achievement in the medium of stained glass.

Design attributed to Agnes F. Northrop (American, 1857–1953); Tiffany Studios (American, 1902–32). Hartwell Memorial Window (Light in Heaven and Earth), 1917. Corona, New York. Leaded glass; 701 x 487.7 cm (276 x 192 in.). Restricted gift of the Antiquarian Society, the Chauncey and Marion Deering McCormick Family Foundation, and Ann and Samuel M. Mencoff; through prior gift of the George F. Harding Collection; Roger and J. Peter McCormick Endowment Fund; American Art Sales Proceeds, Discretionary, and Purchase funds; Jane and Morris Weeden and Mary Swissler Oldberg funds; restricted gift of the Davee Foundation, Pam Conant, Stephanie Field Harris, the Komarek-Hyde-McQueen Foundation, and Jane Woldenberg; gifts in memory of John H. Bryan, Jr.; Wesley M. Dixon, Jr. Endowment Fund; through prior gift of the Friends of American Art Collection and Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson; restricted gift of Jamee J. and Marshall Field, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper, and an anonymous donor; Goodman Endowment Fund; restricted gift of Abbie Helene Roth in memory of Sandra Gladstone Roth, Henry and Gilda Buchbinder Family in memory of John H. Bryan, Jr., Suzanne Hammond and Richard Leftwich, Maureen Tokar in memory of Edward Tokar, Bonnie and Frank X. Henke III, Erica Meyer, Joseph P. Gromacki in memory of John H. Bryan, Jr., Louise Ingersoll Tausché, Christopher and Sara Pfaff, Charles L. and Patricia A. Swisher, Kim and Andy Stephens, and Dorothy J. Vance; B. F. Ferguson Fund; Jay W. McGreevy, Dr. Julian Archie, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Puth, and Kate S. Buckingham endowment funds, 2018.121

Art Institute President and Eloise W. Martin Director James Rondeau shared: “It is with great pride we welcome this transformative work of art into the collection, an object that demonstrates the highest level of achievement in American glass production and exemplifies our ongoing commitment to excellence. Tiffany Studios became synonymous with radiant materials and technical brilliance, and this monumental work of stained glass by the firm is an unparalleled example of beauty, ingenuity, and universality. Prominently installed in our galleries, with the rich architectural history of Chicago as a stunning backdrop, this singular work will certainly inspire visitors and undoubtedly has the power to become one of the museum’s icons.”

The design of the window is attributed to Agnes F. Northrop, the firm’s leading landscape window designer. At twenty-three feet high by sixteen feet wide, and made up of 48 different panels, the scene depicts a distant view of Mount Chocorua, one of the most beloved peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Numerous landscape painters including Thomas Cole and John F. Kensett memorialized the mountain as a powerful symbol of the American landscape. In its scale, intricacy of design, and complexity of glasswork, it is one of the largest and most ambitious landscape window projects ever undertaken by Tiffany Studios.

This majestic window had been housed in the sanctuary of the Community Church of Providence. Speaking on behalf of the church, Pastor Evan Howard noted: “Our congregation decided to find a new home for the window where it could be experienced by a broad public audience that includes scholars, artists, and visitors from around the world. The church approached a number of different museums and ultimately selected the Art Institute of Chicago as the ideal institution to care for and display the window.” Added Pastor Howard, “We are extremely pleased that this exceptional work of art has entered such a renowned collection.”

Sarah Kelly Oehler, Field­–McCormick Chair and Curator of American Art stated: “Landscape windows are rare within the overall production of Tiffany Studios, and the opportunity to acquire such a superlative example of Tiffany glass is one that will likely never be repeated. The Art Institute has a strong commitment to collecting the work of women artists, and we are especially thrilled to showcase Agnes Northrop, whose vision truly shaped the aesthetic of Tiffany Studios. This acquisition positions the museum as a leading institution for visitors to experience the artistry and vitality of stained glass as it joins other works in the medium, especially the iconic America Windows by Marc Chagall. We are thrilled to be the stewards of this remarkable and deeply resonant work of art for future generations.”

The window is currently undergoing conservation treatment at the Art Institute of Chicago. It will be installed this fall in the Henry Crown Gallery at the top of the Woman’s Board Grand Staircase. Located near the Michigan Avenue entrance, it will welcome visitors as they begin their journey through the museum.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal Presents The City-Meets-Mountain Snow Experience: The Perfect 3-Day Montreal Getaway

• Enjoy the best of both worlds with the ultimate city and mountain getaway filled with winter fun, including skiing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, snowshoeing, a spa retreat and the finest gastronomy the city has to offer
• Guests can take advantage of a Third Night Free offer when booking two consecutive nights to extend the fun

Montreal is the seductive Paris of North America sitting at the edge of the Canadian wilderness. So, as such, the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal has crafted the quintessential winter experience to treat travellers and locals to the perfect Montreal winter escape. The luxurious package features a two-night stay with a complimentary third night to enjoy seasonal activities from intense to utterly relaxing.

MARCUS Lounge + Bar

On arrival, guests will settle in at MARCUS Lounge + Bar inside the Hotel’s bustling Social Square, where the city’s who’s who and global travellers mingle. They will challenge the resident mixologist to craft a bespoke cocktail just for them and follow their libation with dinner at MARCUS Restaurant, the first Canadian outpost by internationally-acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Their senses will be awakened with an innovative feast of seafood and farm-to-table vegetables at this lively contemporary brasserie.

Four Seasons Spa

On the second day, guests will head for a rugged snow adventure at Mont-Tremblant, North America’s #1 ski resort in the East. They will ride a chauffeured SUV or private helicopter to exhilarating mountain slopes and sharpen their skiing and snowboarding skills with elite instructors. Alternatively, they may explore invigorating forest trails on a snowmobile, snowshoe or skate on a majestic frozen lake, and warm up with a hot chocolate at a luxurious mountain chalet. At nightfall, they will stroll under the twinkling lights of Mont-Tremblant’s European-style pedestrian village and enjoy dinner before returning downtown to the enveloping comfort of their Four Seasons room.

On the last day, their winter adventure will continue on Mount Royal Park, a mountain in the heart of the city, minutes away from the Hotel. They will venture through its winding paths on snowshoes or cross-country skis, skate on Beaver Lake, or snow-tube down the hills with their whole family. As the sun sets, they will relax and restore their body and mind at Four Seasons Spa, where they may explore the sensations of Kneipp hydrotherapy, solo or couple massages, steam sauna, and a glass of champagne poolside before drifting to dreamland on a Spa daybed.

This package is available by calling +1 514 843 2500, or emailing reservations.montreal@fourseasons.com

Advance booking is required with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Inclusions cannot be modified or substituted. This experience is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract, and does not apply to groups. Rates are per room, per night, may vary by arrival date, and do not include taxes, service charges, gratuities or surcharges, unless otherwise noted. Early departure fees may apply, and rates and availability are subject to change, with some blackout dates in place.

All Images provided by the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal.