The 14th Annual Medal Award Dinner Honoring Alex Katz The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston honored leading American painter Alex Katz at this year's Medal Award ceremony and gala dinner, a fundraiser for student scholarships. The event was held April 18 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. During his long career Katz has become best known for his paintings of everyday scenes and portraits in his signature "flat" style. An early exploration of plein air gave Katz "a reason to devote [his] life to painting." His wife and muse, Ada, was an early inspiration, and working from life remains a key element of his work today. During the 1960s and 70s, Katz dabbled in printmaking, sculpture, and set and costume design before returning to his passion, painting. Rising to prominence in the 1980s with retrospectives at the Whitney Museum of American Art and Brooklyn Museum of Art, Katz's work continues to influence a new generation of artists. The Museum School Medal Award honors individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the art world, and recognizes their commitment to diversifying and communicating with the world through art. The Medal Award was first presented in 1996 on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In the time since, the School has paid tribute to some of the most noteworthy artists and influential art patrons of our time including: Julian Schnabel Brice Marden Kiki Smith Jim Dine Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen Jeff Koons Robert Rauschenberg Ellen Gallagher Mike and Doug Starn Arnold and Milly Glimcher Esther Anderson Nan Goldin Ellsworth Kelly Each year, the Medal Award recipient(s) are honored at a fundraiser to benefit student scholarship aid. The evening includes a program of speakers and remarks by the recipient, a reception and entertainment, and a silent auction of SMFA student artwork. For questions regarding this exciting evening, or to inquire about corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call call 617-369-3591. The SMFA Medal is endowed through the generosity of Carol and Arnold Haynes.