George Mason University professor Chawky Frenn, a painter and an associate professor in the School of Art, has received a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award for research and teaching for the 2024-25 academic year. As a Fulbright U.S. Scholar, he will conduct international research while teaching at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, in the fall.
“My research will evolve around the role of art as a bridge between cultures, religions, and classes,” said Frenn. “In my teaching proposal, I emphasized the potential of art to cultivate connections between diverse cultures and communities. I will teach studio art and guide students in creating artwork addressing pressing societal issues of their choosing.” At the end of the semester, Frenn will curate an exhibition of student work at Banaras Hindu University.
While abroad, Frenn will focus on creating his own art, documenting his research and travels, collaborating with Banaras Hindu University’s faculty on art projects, and putting together an exhibition of his work before returning to the United States.
This is Frenn’s second Fulbright. His first was in 2017 when he pursued his international research in New Delhi, India. “During my 2017 Fulbright, I connected with people from various walks of life,” he said. “I am excited to be given another opportunity to establish new relationships, collaborate with new international partners in art and education, and build another body of work informed by my experiences and travels.”
He added, “[During 2017] I forged many meaningful connections with artists and academics who, upon learning about my upcoming Fulbright, have already invited me to visit their universities.”
Frenn was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1981. He has a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and an MFA from Temple University. His work has been featured in solo and group exhibits in galleries and museums across the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Paraguay, and India.
In 2009, Frenn received George Maso’s Teaching Excellence Award. He was a finalist for the same award in 2002 and 2006 and was also nominated for the award again in 2021.