University of Richmond Professor Sandy Williams IV Named Joan Mitchell Fellow for Work in Sculpture

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond art professor Sandy Williams IV has been named a 2024 Joan Mitchell Fellow for their work in socially engaged sculpture and performance art.

The Joan Mitchell Fellowship is awarded to artists working in the fields of painting and sculpture. One of only 15 recipients nationally, Williams will receive $60,000 over the next five years in addition to support for their career in the form of workshops, artist exchanges, and coaching sessions.

“I am truly grateful for this early recognition of my work,” said Williams. “Grants like these that unconditionally support artist's work without requiring some sort of exchange are vital for the growth of a practice like mine.”

With the support of the fellowship, Williams plans to continue work on a permanent memorial for Roanoke College titled “Authors & Architects,” which will honor the legacy of the people who were enslaved by the college and its donors.

“The title ‘Authors & Architects’ is meant to credit and remember these men, women, and children not only by what they were subjected to but as the authors and architects of that space and its legacy,” Williams said.

Williams, who has taught at UR since 2019, will also continue their The 40 ACRES Archive project, which centers Black history in works of public sculpture, skywriting, film, and other formats.

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