2008 Award Winners

To recognize artists of outstanding merit, the fair makes several awards each year. Presented on Sunday afternoon, prizes will be awarded as follows:

Mary Louise Womer Award for General Excellence

Presented annually in memory of Mary Louise Womer, founder of the 57th Street Art Fair, this award is given to an outstanding artist in any category. As owner of The Little Gallery, Ms. Womer provided a neighborhood gathering place for local artists. Her initial idea of staging an event where artists could meet, showcase their work, and sell art directly to the community grew into the 57th Street Art Fair. Her vision was well received, as this year the fair celebrates its 61st anniversary!

2008 Award Winner: Kathleen Eaton

57th Street Art Fair Committee Award

Chosen by members of the steering committee, this award recognizes one artist for dedication and excellence in their chosen medium. All exhibitors, returning and new, are eligible for this special award. This prize is a significant honor, since it represents the collective opinion of the committee members who work year round to organize and ensure the continued quality and success of the fair.

2008 Award Winner: Carlos Page

Nettie Hart Award for Crafts

Presented in honor of Nettie Hart, a key supporter in the early days of the 57th Street Art Fair. Ms. Heart, a designer with Raymond Loewy, had an artistic eye and brought many needed cosmetic touches to the fair. She served as chairperson of the steering committee in the early 1950’s. Unfortunately, she was killed in an automobile accident in Spain in 1962. Since 1963, to honor her memory and in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the early days of the fair, this award has been presented annually to one outstanding artist selected from the categories of jewelry making, fiber, glass, leather, mixed media and paper.

2008 Award Winner: Cameron Pfiffner

Katrina Hadley Award for Painting, Sculpture or Photography

Since the 1960’s this award has been presented to one outstanding artist in the media of photography, sculpture or painting in memory of Katrina Hadley, a founding member of the 57th Street Art Fair Committee. Ms. Hadley was a key committee member for many years in the early days of the fair, working tirelessly to provide needed support services.

2008 Award Winner: Clifton Henri

Vi Uretz Award

2008 Award Winner: Helen Gotlib

The Newcomer Award (multiple awards)

Chosen when the judges convene to screen artists wishing to participate in the fair, this award recognizes outstanding work by newly selected exhibitors. This year, 785 artists applied to exhibit; a total of 271 were invited to attend. The judges screened works from 633 applicants (new applicants as well as prior attendees in categories being rescreened) inviting approximately 100 to exhibit for the first time.

2008 Award Winner: Jill Mayberg