Bronze Medal / John Cavanaugh Memorial Prize is given during each Annual Awards Exhibition.

Born in 1921, John William Cavanaugh is considered “the 20th century’s master of hammered lead.” He passed away in 1985, leaving his sculpture to express the courage, spirituality, optimism, and vitality, which were the essential qualities of the man and his work. The cause of death was cancer, found to be related to his working in lead.

The prize is funded by the John Cavanaugh Foundation, headquartered in Washington, DC and run by NSS Board Members, Gordon Alt.