New York, NY—The New York State Council on the Arts is pleased to announce the recipient of the Edward Hopper Citation of Merit for Visual Artists, Carrie Mae Weems. Presented by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the award recognizes a distinguished New York visual artist who is making a significant contribution to the advancement of the arts in New York State.

“On behalf of the New York State Council on the Arts, I offer my warmest congratulations to Carrie Mae Weems,” said NYSCA Chair Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel.

“In her photography, video, public art and installations, she honors both the legacy of Edward Hopper and the rich artistic heritage of New York State.”

“To be receiving this award in recognition of the great artist Edward Hopper, whose painted world of dark nights and lonely people were so often a home to my imagination and anchor to my own practice is a tremendous honor,” said Carrie Mae Weems.

“New York State is my home. I live and work here and have established deep roots here so it is especially meaningful and humbling to be receiving the inaugural award recognizing a significant contribution to the advancement of our state’s arts. I look forward to continuing to not only work in New York, but to the state's continued advancement and engagement with the arts.”

Created in honor of Edward Hopper, the Citation carries an honorarium of five thousand dollars. As the recipient, Weems will offer two public exhibitions, one of which will be held at the Edward Hopper House Art Center in the village of Nyack.  The Hopper House Art Center and the additional exhibition site will each receive $2,500 for the presentation of Ms. Weems’ work. Weems was unanimously named to receive the award by a panel of accomplished members of the arts community.

“The New York State Council on the Arts is proud to celebrate the work of Carrie Mae Weems,” said NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus.

“We are greatly inspired by her artistic achievements and the impact they have had on the culture of our state.”

Carole Perry, Artistic Director and Curator of the Edward Hopper House Art Center said, “We are thrilled that Carrie Mae Weems has been selected as the recipient of this award in Edward Hopper’s name.

“Among the many talented artists nominated, she stood out for her unique voice in representing the human condition.  We look forward to honoring Hopper’s legacy by showcasing this important artist who, like Hopper, has touched a universal chord and had an enduring effect on the course of art history.”

About Carrie Mae Weems

Through photography and video, Carrie Mae Weems has created a complex body of art that investigates family relationships, gender roles, racism, classism, and politics. Although Weems addresses a wide array of issues, in all the work her overarching commitment is to help us better understand our present moment by examining our collective past.      

Weems, a MacArthur grant recipient, is represented in public and private collections around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions at major national and international museums including the Whitney Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Solomon Guggenheim Museum.  

About The New York State Council on the Arts

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) champions community and creativity by preserving and advancing numerous aspects of the cultural heritage that makes New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. These aims are primarily achieved through the agency’s grant-making activity. Annually, the agency awards $41 Million to more than 1,200 organizations statewide.

The projects, artists and organizations NYSCA supports underscore the diversity and scope of the State’s residents and visitors. From New York City’s landmarks to traditional artisans in the North Country, from international dance companies to teaching artists in inner-city schools, the impact of the agency’s funding can be seen in each of the State’s 62 counties.  Annually, NYSCA’s funding helps to engage new audiences, including schoolchildren; drive artistic excellence and innovation; and build organizational capacity for organizations specializing in visual, performing, media and literary arts.

Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960, and continued and expanded to the present day with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, NYSCA is an agency of the Executive Branch of the New York State Government. For more information on NYSCA, please visit: www.arts.ny.gov. 

About Edward Hopper House Art Center

The mission of the Edward Hopper House Art Center is to celebrate Edward Hopper’s legacy by preserving his birthplace, family home and archive while serving as a resource for scholars and artists and nurturing community engagement with the arts. Edward Hopper’s (1882-1967) birthplace was built in 1858 by the artist's maternal grandfather, John Smith.  The house served as Hopper's primary residence until 1910. An active community arts center, EHH presents 20th century and contemporary art exhibitions in all media, lectures, performances, workshops, and classes. EHH provides public programs, such as exhibit-based talks and lectures, tours for senior residences and school groups, and summer jazz concerts.