Medal Day History

Since the Edward MacDowell Medal was first awarded in 1960, artists who have received this honor include Leonard Bernstein, John Updike, Georgia O'Keeffe, I.M. Pei, and Merce Cunningham. The artistic discipline in which the award is given rotates in order to celebrate all of the creative fields practiced at MacDowell. The Medal Day ceremony features not only the honoree but also a well-known presentation speaker who is familiar with the Medalist's work. Past speakers include visual artist Richard Serra, writer William Styron, and Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic Robert Campbell.

Below is a complete list of MacDowell Medalists, along with the presentation speaker for each year. (Asterisks denote Colony Fellows.)

Edward MacDowell Medalists

Medal Day Speeches
The MacDowell Colony newsletter chronicles Medal Day speeches for the enjoyment of those who could not attend. You may click on the years below to read prior speeches.

Medal Day 2009 — Visual Artist Kiki Smith; presentation speaker Lynne Tillman
Medal Day 2008 — Architect Thom Mayne; presentation speaker Robert Campbell
Medal Day 2007 — Filmmaker Les Blank; presentation speaker Fred Wiseman
Medal Day 2006 — Writer Alice Munro; presentation speaker Virginia Barber
Medal Day 2005 — Composer Steve Reich; presentation speaker Richard Serra

Medal Day Slideshow
View an online gallery of the 50th anniversary of Medal Day, which honored visual artist Kiki Smith in August, 2009.

Performances
Below are two performances from previous Medal Day ceremonies. In 2005, acclaimed group So Percussion performed music by Medalist Steve Reich. In 2003, well-known composer and Colony Fellow Meredith Monk performed a tribute piece for friend and Medalist Merce Cunningham.

Performance at Medal Day, 2005		Meredith Monk performing at Medal Day, 2003 This performance is copyrighted by Meredith Monk and may not be reproduced, copied, or distributed in any way without the express permission of Ms. Monk.