Portrait of Sheila Hicks by Cristobal Zanartu.

On Wednesday, September 13, the U.S Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies will honor Sheila Hicks, along with artists Tony Abeyta, Robert Pruitt, Hank Willis Thomas, and Suling Wang, with the 2023 U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will present the medals at a White House ceremony.

The Medal of Arts award was created by Art in Embassies, in partnership with the Secretary of State, in 2012 to formally acknowledge artists who have played an exemplary role in advancing the U.S. Department of State’s mission to promote cultural diplomacy. Their achievements represent those of thousands of artists who make art diplomacy possible at U.S. embassies around the world. Art serves as a bridge with other nations, encourages discussion and expression, and highlights the communal experience of people from countries, cultures, and backgrounds worldwide.

To learn more about the 2023 U.S. State Department Medal of Arts, click here.