Clark Art Curator Knighted By French Government
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Rand was presented the Chevalier award from Consul General of France in Boston Christophe Guilhou for his lifetime dedication to French art. Rand has been the curator at the Clark since 1997 and has been the lead for multiple major exhibitions on the subject.
"Mr. Rand's achievements have not gone unnoticed by the French government," Guilhou said before presenting the medal. "France is very honored to have such a friend."
Rand got his first taste of French culture at age four when his father was a consular officer with the State Department and the family moved there. Rand started his education there and learned to read in French before English.
"My love of French culture, no doubt, was sparked by having spent five of my earliest years living in France," Rand said. "France has always been my second country — one where I felt close to home when I was away from home and that makes this honor particularly meaningful to me."
Later in life, he focused his education on French art by earning his bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College and later his doctorate from the University of Michigan.
In 1997, Rand joined the Clark Art Institute and became the lead in major exhibitions on French painters as well as becoming a lecturer on art history at Williams College.
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"You are a true lover of France and you have a passion for our country," Guihou said. "We are grateful for your service and you dedication."
A few months ago, Rand got an official letter in the mail from the French government acknowledging his work.
"I was surprised and honored," Rand said after the ceremony. "It made me think about all that I've done over the years and how much I love French art."
That dedication is going to continue at the Clark, Rand said. He will be opening another exhibit this summer.
Rand joins fellow Americans Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Paul Auster and George Clooney as recipients of the award.
