2026 AIC, FAIC, and CAC Awards Recipients
WASHINGTON, DC, and MONTREAL, QC, CANADA—The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) joined with our colleagues in the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC-ACCR) to celebrate the accomplishments of our members in Montreal, QC, Canada, on April 29, 2026.
Since 1974, AIC has awarded members and allied professionals for outstanding and distinguished contributions to the field of conservation. FAIC’s service award started in 2023. CAC has recognized its members since 2008.
Join us in congratulating the following honorees:
Award for Excellence in Practice for the development and execution of hands-on skills in cultural heritage preservation by professionals at any stage of their career. We're grateful to offer this award with support of the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, which provides recipients with $2,000 and support to attend the AIC Annual Meeting.
- Susan Costello, Conservator of Objects and Sculpture, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies
- Ron Harvey, Principal, Tuckerbrook Conservation
- Julia Lawson, Object and Archaeological Object Conservator, Retired
- Dorothy Mahon, Conservator, Fairchild Center for Paintings Conservation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Christopher Mills, Architectural Conservator, Christopher Mills Conservation Services, LLC
- Paulette Reading, Textile Conservator, Mountain States Art Conservation
- Nina Roth-Wells, Conservator, Nina A Roth-Wells LLC
- Shauna Young, Senior Conservator Modern Art Conservation
David Magoon-University Products Conservation Advocacy Award for conservation professionals who have advanced the field of conservation and furthered the cause of conservation through substantial efforts in outreach and advocacy. Recipients receive a $2,000 stipend courtesy of University Products.
- Dr. Annette S. Ortiz Miranda, Researcher/ Conservation Scientist, The Walters Art Museum
Allied Professional Award for outstanding contributions to the conservation profession by professionals in other fields.
- Andrew Baxter, Owner, Bronze et al, Ltd.
Robert L. Feller Lifetime Achievement Award for exceptional contributions to the conservation profession throughout one's career.
- Nobuko Kajitani, Conservator Emerita, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Textile Conservation Department
- Karen Zukor, Senior Paper Conservator, Zukor Art Conservation
Honorary Membership for outstanding contributions to the conservation profession.
- Debra Hess Norris, Chair of the Art Conservation Department and Professor of Photograph Conservation, Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation
- Ellen Pearlstein, Emerita Research Professor, UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
- Patricia Silence, Director of Conservation Operations, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
President’s Award for exceptional performance in the profession of conservation.
- Frank G. Matero (1953 - 2025), Gonick Family Professor of Architecture and Historic Preservation, University of Pennsylvania Center for Architecture Conservation
Sheldon and Caroline Keck Award for excellence in the education and training of conservation professionals.
- Mary A. Jablonski, President, Jablonski Building Conservation, Inc.
- Catherine Matsen, Senior Scientist, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- Gianfranco Pocobene, Principal & Senior Paintings Conservator, Gianfranco Pocobene Studio, Inc.
Publication Award for excellence in an article or book on conservation.
- Joel Taylor and Vincent Laudato Beltran, editors, Managing Collection Environments: Technical Notes and Guidance
Paintings Specialty Group Award for outstanding contributions to the field of paintings conservation.
- Matthew Cushman, George F. & Sibyl H. Fuller Conservator in Charge, Worcester Art Museum
Rutherford John Gettens Award for outstanding service to the organization.
- Robin Hanson, Textile Conservator, retired
- Bill Wei, Conservation Scientist, vibmech.nl
Textile Specialty Group Award for outstanding contributions to the field of textile conservation.
- Robin Hanson, Textile Conservator, retired
Foundation Service Award for individuals and organizations whose dedication and leadership have significantly advanced the conservation field.
- Rebecca Rushfield, Conservation Consultant
- Joyce Hill Stoner, Director, Preservation Studies, Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation
CAC Charles Mervyn Ruggles Award for conservators making an outstanding contribution to and achievements in the field in Canada.
- Alison Freake, Textual Records Conservator, Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA)
CAC Emerging Conservator Award for the dedication and outstanding potential of a future conservator or conservation scientist in Canada.
- Jade Guan, Graduate Student, Queen’s University Master of Art Conservation Program
Thanks to everyone involved with this year’s awards, especially:
- Our session sponsors for their generous support: the Maxwell-Hanrahan Foundation and University Products.
- AIC’s 2026 Awards Committee: Jane Klinger (Chair), Vanessa Applebaum, Adam Novak, and Ryan Winfield (Staff Liaison)
- Sonia Kata, Chair of the CAC Grants & Awards Committee.
- Everyone who submitted a nomination, wrote a letter of support, or simply gathered with us to celebrate your colleagues and their accomplishments.
For more information about these awards and how you can nominate one of your colleagues next year, visit https://www.culturalheritage.org/awards (AIC) or cac-accr.ca/about-us/#awards (CAC).
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