press room
For Immediate Release
06/08/2003Contact:
Virginia Anagnos
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 222
Americans for the Arts Presents 2003 Public Art Network Award to San Jose Arts Leader
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Portland, OR — June 6, 2003 — Americans for the Arts today presented the first annual Public Art Network (PAN) Award to Harriet Traurig, Director of the San Jose Public Art Program, at its annual meeting held in Portland, Oregon. The Public Art Network Award was created to recognize and honor innovative and creative contributions and commitment in the field of public art.“Harriet is a pioneer in our nation’s public art movement,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Beginning with the Smithsonian’s Save Our Sculptures initiative, she has developed model public art programs in St. Louis and Atlanta, and now in San Jose, where it is considered one of the most prominent programs in the nation. Considered a visionary by her peers, Harriet has set a high standard, and her work has been instrumental in encouraging communities to embrace the creative process that contributes to their visual identity and livability.”
Harriet Traurig has been Director of the Public Art Program in San Jose since 1999. She has been a leader in organizing the Northern California Public Art Administration Network, a group committed to fostering the health and strength of Public Art Programs in Northern California through support, partnerships, and cross-pollination of ideas and methods. Immediately prior to her work in San Jose, she was an independent consultant with the City and County of San Francisco; Emeryville, CA; Modesto, CA; St. Louis, MO; Fulton County (Atlanta), GA; St. Louis MetroLink Light Rail; and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
The Public Art Network, a program of Americans for the Arts, is designed to provide services to the diverse field of public art and to develop strategies and tools to improve communities through public art. The Network’s constituents are public art professionals, visual artists, design professionals, and communities and organizations planning public art projects and programs.
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a 40-year record ofservice. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
