Professor Tess Korobkin receives Frost Essay Prize from American Art Journal

Professor Korobkin receives major essay prize in the field of American Art

Dr. Tess Korobkin is the recipient of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Patricia and Phillip Frost Essay Award for her article “Monumental Absence: Augusta Savage’s Unbuilt Monuments, 1931–1943,” which appeared in the fall 2023 issue (vol. 37, no. 3) of American Art. Citing her work as a “masterful demonstration on how to conduct research and produce effective critical writing on absent subjects” and noting that her text “significantly expands our understanding of (August) Savage’s creative practice,” the panel of jurors remarked that Korobkin’s article “fills critical gaps in our understanding of both Augusta
Savage’s work and the historiography of monuments in the United States, and effectively ties this historical work to contemporary conversations about public memory and the role public visual culture."

The announcement clarifies the importance of this award. "The Frost Essay Award recognizes excellent scholarship in the field of American art history by honoring an essay published the previous year in American Art. Each year, the winning essay must advance the understanding of American art history and demonstrate original research and fresh ideas." 

Congratulations Dr. Korobkin on this significant achievement!