WASHINGTON, DC.- Susan Fisher Sterling, director of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, has been selected to receive the Women’s Caucus for Art 2009 President’s Award. The award was established in 1983 to recognize exemplary women in mid-career and highlight their outstanding contributions to the arts community.

Sterling was chosen to receive the Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA) President’s Award due to her significant role in organizing and curating exhibitions at the Museum, including several major traveling exhibitions, and expanding the Museum’s impact through developing its education and outreach programs. Sterling joined the Museum in 1988 as associate curator, was promoted to curator of modern and contemporary art in 1990, chief curator in 1994, and was appointed deputy director in 2001. Sterling significantly expanded the Museum’s holdings in contemporary photography and photo-based art, abstract painting and sculpture since 1960, and feminist art. In the 19 years that she has been with National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), Sterling has enhanced the Museum’s reputation and furthered its mission in expanding equity and promoting public recognition for women in the visual arts. She was named director of NMWA on March 7, 2008.

The award was presented during the WCA annual conference, which honored the recipients of the 30th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards. The conference was held in conjunction with the College Art Association at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles.