The Medal Award is bestowed upon an individual whose work furthers the development and understanding of contemporary art. Once considered to be the enigmatic bad boy of the New York City art scene, Schnabel has become one of the most prolific artists of his generation. He rose to prominence in the 1980s producing enormous paintings filled with vibrant colors and bold strokes. In the mid 1990s, Schnabel shifted his focus to film. He directed Basquiat, Before Night Falls, and the newly released Le Scaphandre et le Papillon/The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, for which he earned the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival, two Golden Globe® awards for best foreign language film and best director, and Academy Award® nominations for achievement in directing and adapted screenplay. 

The evening included a cocktail reception, program of speakers and remarks by Julian Schnabel, dinner with live music, and a silent auction of SMFA student artwork. 

Special thanks to Skinner Inc., auctioneers and appraisers of antiques and fine art and official sponsor of the 2008 Medal Award Dinner.