Ceremonials
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Arts and Letters held its annual Ceremonial in its auditorium in Washington Heights, New York City, and inducted 14 new members and presented awards in Architecture, Visual Art, Literature, and Music. Foreign Honorary Member Zadie Smith delivered the keynote Blashfield Address, entitled Art for Our Sake, and our highest awards were presented to Elizabeth LeCompte, James McPherson, and Toshiko Mori.
Zadie Smith delivers the Blashfield Address, entitled Art for Our Sake.
Henry Threadgill presents the Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts to Elizabeth LeCompte.
David W. Blight presents the Gold Medal for History to James McPherson.
Mack Scogin presents the Gold Medal for Architecture to Toshiko Mori.
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