ABOUT Barbara Prey
One of America ’ s most renowned contemporary artists , Barbara Prey was recently commissioned by MASS MoCA to create the largest known watercolor painting ( 8 by 15 feet ) for their new building which the museum referred to as ‘ a tour de force ’. Prey ’ s work also resides in the National Gallery of Art , the Brooklyn Museum , the Smithsonian American Art Museum , the New-York Historical Society , Kennedy Space Center and the permanent collection of the White House , where she is one of just two living female artists represented .
Prey has served for over ten years as the sole visual artist on the U . S . Presidentappointed National Council on the Arts , the advisory board to the National Endowment for the Arts . Artists are appointed for their contributions and recognition in American Art . In 2003 , her painting of the Diplomatic Reception Room was featured on the White House Christmas card . With dozens of artworks commissioned by government agencies and institutions , such as four paintings for NASA , Prey is a global ambassador for American Art . Tapped annually for the U . S . Art in Embassies program , Prey ’ s work has been on display in over one hundred U . S . embassies and consulates worldwide . Her painting Gallantly Streaming is currently selected for exhibit in the lobby of the U . S . Mission to the U . N .
Prey earned a Bachelor ’ s degree from Williams College , where she is an adjunct faculty member , and a Master ’ s degree from Harvard University . She has received
Barbara Prey in front of MASS MoCA commision .
numerous institutional accolades , including a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation , a Fulbright Scholarship and the New York State Senate ’ s “ Women of Distinction ” Award . She joins previous honorees Susan B . Anthony , Harriet Tubman and Eleanor Roosevelt .
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Meeting House III , Watercolor , 18.5 x 27 inches
VTMAG . COM SUMMER 2021 27