Dunbar Receives SMU 2009 Emerging Leader Award

DALLAS, TX (11/10/2009)(readMedia)-- DALLAS (SMU) Amanda R. Dunbar received the Emerging Leader Award at the Southern Methodist University Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony on Nov. 5. The award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna who has graduated within the last 15 years.

Dunbar began painting in an after-school class at the age of 13 and had her first solo exhibition in Dallas at age 16. Since then her paintings have been displayed in galleries and museums worldwide.

Dunbar earned a B.F.A. in art history, cum laude with departmental distinction, from Meadows School of the Arts in 2004 and is completing requirements for an M.A. in art history at Meadows. She also has studied in France, earning a post-baccalaureate degree in art. Her works include landscapes and a wide range of abstract, figurative and conceptual art. With proceeds from her painting sales, she formed a charitable organization to fund arts programs for young children. Her concern for the needs of children also led to her designation as ambassador to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and service with other organizations such as the World Craniofacial Foundation.

Dunbar became the youngest woman and the first painter to be inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 2006. Among her widespread national media coverage, she was named "Person of the Week" on ABC's World News with Charles Gibson in 2007.

The 2009 SMU Distinguished Alumni recipients recognized along with Dunbar include Frederick B. Hegi, Joe T. White and Cecil Williams. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor the university bestows upon its graduates. For more information, visit smu.edu/homecoming.

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Editor's Note: Photos are available upon request.