Emilie Buchwald Named 2002 McKnight Distinguished Artist

The McKnight Foundation has named literary artist Emilie Buchwald, publisher of Milkweed Editions in Minneapolis, as the recipient of its 2002 Distinguished Artist Award.

The award, given since 1998, recognizes creative individuals who, individually and collectively, laid the foundation for the rich cultural life Minnesota enjoys today. Although they had opportunities to pursue their work elsewhere, they chose to stay -- and by staying, they made a difference. The award includes a $40,000 prize.

Buchwald, age 66, has been at the center of Minnesota's literary community as a writer, editor and publisher since 1979, when she co-founded Milkweed Chronicle, and she began her book publishing efforts in 1984. Since then, Milkweed has published more than 175 novels and short-story collections, nonfiction works, anthologies and children's books. Milkweed Editions is known for its passionate editorial vision and for the beauty and quality of its books. A savvy marketer of books that win more than their share of awards, Milkweed has brought many Minnesota writers into the national spotlight and has given many emerging writers their first publishing break.

"Editors and publishers aren't always recognized as artists," says Noa Staryk, chair of The McKnight Foundation. "But Emilie's literary instincts belong to the highest order of art. She mines a raw manuscript for the intelligence and creativity that make it worth reading. And then she helps to refine it further into a well-designed and beautifully printed volume that is a delight to hold and to read."

Buchwald's influence extends beyond Minnesota. "Minnesota's small presses are nationally influential, not only in discovering new writers but also in their commitment to the craft of the book," says McKnight president Rip Rapson. "It is people like Emilie who have kept the American literary tradition alive and continue to reinvent it."

Milkweed today is more than a small press publisher. Audiences have discovered its Web site (www.milkweed.org), with features such as "E-verse" (sign up to have a poem e-mailed to you each week) and "The World as Home" (www.worldashome.org), a nonfiction publishing program that explores humankind's relationship with the natural world.

The McKnight Foundation will formally present the 2002 Distinguished Artist Award to Buchwald at a ceremony in September. The Foundation also will publish a commemorative volume about Buchwald's work.

For more information about Emilie Buchwald and her distinguished career, visit McKnight's Web site.

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