On Monday, April 19, the High Museum of Art will honor artist Renee Stout as the 2010 recipient of the David C. Driskell Prize. Named for the renowned African-American artist and art scholar David C. Driskell, the annual award recognizes an artist/scholar early in their career, whose work makes an original and important contribution to African-American art or art history.

Based in Washington, D.C., Stout works with a variety of media including photography, sculpture, painting, drawing and printmaking. Her works examine the impact of the African Diaspora and the traditions of her African heritage as well as the themes of self-exploration, empowerment and healing. Using a variety of elements and visual languages, including African aesthetics and secondhand materials, she creates narratives that tie history to contemporary society.

“Renee Stout is a visual artist fully incorporating every available resource to create works relevant to both past and present,” stated High Museum Director Michael E. Shapiro. “Her ability to draw upon the implications of the African Diaspora and highlight African culture through her imaginative and distinctive art exemplifies the qualities of a David C. Driskell Prize recipient. We are pleased to support her vision and development through this award.”