The Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies congratulates architect Craig Hartman for being named this year’s Resilience Rockstar by the Greenbelt Alliance!

Greenbelt Alliance said, “Craig’s contributions to our local-built environment are both visionary and impactful. As an architect and Design Partner for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP’s West Coast practice, for 30 years, his work stands out for its environmentally sustainable designs. His innovative work has earned him two U.S. patents for sustainable systems, over 250 awards for design and innovation, and 11 National AIA Honor Awards.”

Craig has been an extraordinary friend to FAPE. We had the great privilege of collaborating with him on two of his architectural masterpieces—the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China and the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China.

Our first project with Craig was in 2003 for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China. Craig worked closely with Ellsworth Kelly on his commission, Beijing Panels. Ellsworth conceived an 18-foot-high wall sculpture to include the colors red, white and blue, representing the United States. The artist then decided to do a second piece in red and yellow, representing China, on the opposite side of the wall. An estimated 2,000 Chinese nationals pass by the sculpture daily.

Click here to listen to Craig speak about his collaboration with Ellsworth.

In 2009 FAPE commissioned Joel Shapiro to create Now for the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China, also designed by Craig. The artist’s sculpture greets guests at the main diplomatic entrance and is visible to the public. Click here to watch a video of the installation.

On March 15, 2013, the sculpture was officially dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Consul General Jennifer Galt; the artist; Jennifer Duncan, FAPE's Director; Craig Hartman and the State Department. 

Additionally, the Consulate’s Public Affairs Section arranged a series of outreach activities. The program engaged FAPE, Joel, Craig and the local community in a way that proved interesting for visitors and beneficial for the Consulate’s efforts to bring American art and culture to southern China. 

GIFT FOR THE NATION 250 will mark the 40th anniversary of FAPE and 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Craig and his wife, Jan O’Brien, have made a monumental promised gift to this historic collection of 25 works by artists including Jonathan Borofsky, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Julie Mehretu, Richard Serra, and Joel Shapiro, among others.

FAPE is eternally grateful to Jan and Craig for their years of support. We send our great thanks for everything they have done to ensure the success of our program!