Michelle Obama Portrait Artist Amy Sherald Honored By High Museum

Former President Barack Obama, center, and former first lady Michelle Obama, left, applaud as Artist Amy Sherald speaks during a ceremony for the unveiling of the official portraits for former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

First impressions are important, and for many people, their introduction to artist Amy Sherald and her work came in February. That’s when she stood alongside First Lady Michelle Obama and helped unveil her official portrait at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Now the High Museum is honoring Sherald — who is a native of Columbus, Georgia — with this year’s David C. Driskell Prize, the first national award to honor and celebrate contributions to the field of art of the African Diaspora.

Sherald’s portrait of Obama features her seated in a stunning patterned dress, looking at once thoughtful and relaxed.