Eastern Connecticut State University Art and Art History Professor Anne Dawson has been announced as one of three non-fiction finalists for the 2017 Connecticut Book Awards. Dawson resides in Lebanon and her book, “Rare Light,” explores the life and career of American impressionist J. Alden Weir, an artist who created some of his most notable works while living in Windham.
The book is rated four-and-a-half out of five stars on Amazon, receiving numerous positive reviews from critics. Patricia McDonnell, Director of the Wichita Art Museum, had this to say: “Within a growing body of distinguished literature on American art, the volume sparkles with rich historical detail and fresh archival research. As editor and lead author, Anne Dawson makes a meaningful contribution to our knowledge of American impressionism through the lens of a finely focused study.”
“Rare Light” is one of 109 titles submitted for the Book Awards. There are awards in four categories – fiction, non-fiction, poetry and young readers. Each category has been reviewed by a panel of five judges, all with substantial expertise in the literary arts. The books are reviewed over a course of three months, with each category being critiqued according to assigned criteria. Of the 109 books, only 17 were selected for the list of finalists. The final award winners will be announced on Oct. 22.
Dawson has been an Eastern faculty member for 24 years, and now serves as chair of the Art and Art History Department.
