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"The creation of this work marks a new era for the National Portrait Gallery," said Marc Pachter, director of the museum. "It has long been a goal of ours to commission portraits of remarkable individuals. Mrs. Shriver's inspirational work with Special Olympics and the first commission from the Outwin Boochever Portrait initiative are a natural match."
As a part of the triennial prize, the National Portrait Gallery commissions a work from the winning artist to depict a living subject for the collection. Shriver, who has yet to be included in the museum's collection, pairs well with Lenz's work and interests. Lenz's winning painting, entitled "Sam and the Perfect World," depicts his son, Sam, who has Down syndrome, in a Wisconsin field. In the photo-realistic work, the sun shines brightly, and green hills and fields seem to invite the viewer and Sam to explore the world beyond a fence that runs just behind him. Lenz is an admirer of Shriver because of the international role she has assumed as the founder of Special Olympics; additionally, Sam is an active and enthusiastic Special Olympics athlete.
"This project is extremely meaningful to me because Mrs. Shriver has tirelessly advocated for people like Sam," said Lenz. "She has led the world to be a more welcoming place for people with intellectual disabilities." The portrait is expected to be presented to the National Portrait Gallery in late 2008.
This competition is made possible by the generosity of Virginia Outwin Boochever, whose gift fosters the acquisition of contemporary portraiture for the Portrait Gallery.
The Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition is a triennial event. The next installment begins June 1, 2008, when the call for entries opens to the public. The finalists and winners will be a part of the 2009 competition exhibition, which opens in September 2009.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
As executive vice president of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation and founder and honorary chairperson of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver has been a leader in the worldwide struggle to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities for most of her life.
Shriver has been recognized throughout the world for her advocacy and work. Included among her awards are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award; the Legion of Honor; and the Prix de la Couronne Française. She holds 14 honorary degrees and was one of the first recipients of a sidewalk medallion on The Extra Mile Points of Light Pathway in Washington, D.C.
Born in Brookline, Mass., the fifth of nine children of Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Eunice Mary Kennedy received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. -- www.si.edu
Posted January 3rd, 2008 by ruzik_tuzik
