Established in 1982 by Classical America chairman of the board Arthur Ross and its president Henry Hope Reed, the Arthur Ross Awards were created to recognize and celebrate excellence in the classical tradition— from architects, painters, sculptors, artisans, landscape designers, educators, publishers, patrons, and others—all nominees are dedicated to preserving and advancing the classical tradition.
A dinner and ceremony will take place May 7 the University Club in New York to celebrate the 31st annual Awards—and the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Classical Architecture and the 10th since its alliance with Classical America.
The winners are:
Architecture: Hammond Beeby Rupert and Ainge Architects (HBRA), Chicago, Illinois whose civic and residential commissions demonstrate sensitivity to context, technical expertise, and creative artistry.
Artisanship: Rhett Butler, New York, New York. A meticulous craftsman and exacting scientist who has set an unparalleled standard for hardware excellence in the 21st century at the firm of E. R. Butler & Co.
History/Journalism: Francis Morrone, Brooklyn, New York. A historian and raconteur who delights readers and engages audiences with his extraordinary knowledge of New York and beyond through books, essays, tours, and lectures.
Stewardship: U. S. Commission of Fine Arts, Washington, DC. Guardians of the artistic, architectural, and urban design character evolving in our nation's capital for more than a century.
Landscape Design: Edwina von Gal, East Hampton, New York. Her compelling designs tread lightly and knowingly on the land in unexpected and imaginative ways.
Board of Directors Honor: Marc Appleton, Santa Monica, California. Architect, author, teacher, and ICAA trustee emeritus, whose visionary leadership spawned and nurtured the advent of ICAA chapters across the country beginning in Southern California.
“Lively discussion among the jurors coming as they did from far and wide like the Institute itself assured a fine roster of Ross Award recipients in this important anniversary year," said The 2012 Arthur Ross Jury Chair, landscape designer, patron of the arts, and ICAA trustee, Kathryn Herman. "Gladly many deserving winners remain in consideration as contemporary classicism sustains its place in the modern world. And more will follow including candidates brought to the table by the future jurors themselves. The board and staff always appreciate word of worthy candidates across categories. I look forward to celebrating in person on May 7.”
Joining Ms. Herman on the jury were: Donald Albrecht, William H. Bates III, Dara Caponigro, Adele Chatfield-Taylor, Robin Karson, Peter Pennoyer, R. Douglass Rice, and Jean Wiart.
“In the 20 years since its founding in 1992, the Institute has been strengthened especially during the last ten by its alliance with Classical America." said ICAA president, Paul Gunther. "The annual Arthur Ross Awards gathering reminds one and all of the unique value of what we do in education for students, practitioners, and an appreciative public alike. It's a chance too to connect Mr. Ross's pioneering example of contemporary classicism with those in so many related fields who can stand on his shoulders today.”
He continued: “I and gala co-chair and trustee, Suzanne Santry, speak for all in extending congratulations to the 2012 anniversary-year winners, especially Marc Appleton, whose Board of Directors' salute recognizes his work as author, teacher, architect, advocate, and ICAA steward in joyful combination. For starters, he helped lead the way with the creation of chapters, not only by fostering an overall organizational blueprint, but also by making that blueprint a reality in Southern California, where its chapter’s educational dividends can be measured daily.”
For more information about the Awards ceremony and the ICAA, please visit www.classicist.org or contact Stephanie Herold by phone: (212) 730-9646 ext. 106 or email: sherold@classicist.org.
