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| Nell Painter | |
Artist and author Nell Painter (The History of White People; Old in Art School) has been named chair of the board of directors of the MacDowell Colony, one of the nation's leading contemporary arts organizations. Painter is taking over from author Michael Chabon, who has held the role since 2010.
"The challenge of following the singular eloquence of Michael Chabon as MacDowell chairman gives me pause. But as the first 'madam chairman' I relish the prospect of representing MacDowell and its far-flung Fellows," said Painter, who has been a two-time MacDowell Fellow. "I want to thank the board and staff for their support and trust as I step into this role, and, as a recent Fellow, I want also to thank them for creating a space where I could not only do my work in peace, but also slough off the burden of tokenism."
Painter, who graduated from Harvard, was the Edwards Professor of American History at Princeton University and has written seven books about the American South. After retiring from academia in 2005, she earned a B.F.A. in art from Rutgers and an M.F.A. in painting from Rhode Island School of Design.
Each year, MacDowell awards more than 300 Fellowships to artists working in seven disciplines. Fellows can stay at the colony for up to eight weeks, and receive a private studio, accommodations and three meals per day.