The Whistler House Museum of Art will honor internationally known U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, James Costos, with the James McNeill Whistler Distinguished Art Award. In his honor, the Lowell Art Association, Inc. will premiere a special exhibition for his return to Lowell. The event and exhibition, Lowell: A Homecoming, will present photographs and works of art on canvas and will take place at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 19, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with the exhibition. A cocktail reception will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a celebratory award dinner at 6:00 p.m. A banquet and dance will follow at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Sabrina Aviles and Flamenco Dance Project and music by Champagne Toast.

The award recognizes the contributions, achievements and talent of an individual or organization that has consistently demonstrated the highest level of excellence in his or her work; promoting, enhancing and educating, while advancing the world of art for the citizens of today and tomorrow.

“Ambassador James Costos is a deserving recipient of this award. His talent in diplomacy is undeniable and his ability to promote art and culture is quite extraordinary,” said Sara Bogosian, President and Executive Director of the Whistler House Museum of Art. The Whistler House worked with Costos on the lending of 6 Whistler etchings to the U. S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain as part of the U. S. Department of State Art in Embassies program.