A&O Prize (2009): Helen Zughaib

"Midnight Prayers" by Helen Zughaib

NEW YORK - "Midnight Prayers" (above) by Washington DC-based artist, Helen Zughaib is the 2009 winner of the 2nd annual Alpha & Omega Prize. The A&OPrize (no trophy or cash prize) is an annual contemporary religious art recognition for a single artwork by an American artist which has promoted a major dialogue about religion in America through during the past 12-18 months. Zughaib's goal is to bring about peace and interfaith understanding through her artworks. This summer, President Barack Obama gave Zughaib’s "Midnight Prayers" to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of Iraq.