The Smithsonian American Art Museum is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Charles C. Eldredge Prize. Single-author books devoted to any aspect of the visual arts of the United States and published in the three previous calendar years are eligible.

The Charles C. Eldredge Prize

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Charles C. Eldredge Prize. The prize is awarded annually by the Museum for outstanding scholarship in the field of American art.

A cash award of $3,000 is made to the author of a recent book-length publication that provides new insight into works of art, the artists who made them, or aspects of history and theory that enrich our understanding of the artistic heritage of the United States.

The Eldredge Prize seeks to recognize originality and thoroughness of research, excellence of writing, clarity of method, and significance for professional or public audiences. It is especially meant to honor those authors who deepen or focus debates in the field, or who broaden the discipline by reaching beyond traditional boundaries.

Award Process

Books are judged by three scholars of American art, appointed by the director of the museum. No member of its staff, governing board, advisory commission, or support organizations may serve as a juror. The jury reviews nominated books for originality and excellence of research, writing, and methodology, and considers their significance to the field. The jury’s selection is announced in the spring.

Guidelines for Nomination

Single-author books devoted to any aspect of the visual arts of the United States and published in the three previous calendar years (2013, 2014, 2015) are eligible.

To nominate a book, send a one-page letter explaining the work’s significance to the field of American art history and discussing the quality of the author’s scholarship and methodology.

Nominations by authors or publishers for their own books will not be considered.

The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2015.

Please send nomination letters to:

The Charles C. Eldredge Prize, Research and Scholars Center, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012.

Nominations will also be accepted by email: eldredge@si.edu or fax: (202) 633-8373.

Further information about the prize may be found at americanart.si.edu/research/awards/eldredge.