George awarded French knighthood for contributions to french culture?

From Berkshire Eagle

Good day for a new knight

By David Pepose, Berkshire Eagle Staff,

Updated: 28 April 2011

WILLIAMSTOWN -- Richard Rand of Williamstown has been many things over the years -- a curator, a scholar, a citizen of the world.

But how many can say they’re an honorary knight? That honor became a reality on Wednesday, when Rand was inducted into the French Order of Arts and Letters as chevalier, or in English, knight.

"I was very honored and a little embarrassed," Rand said, after receiving his award from Christophe Guilhou, the Consul General of France in Boston. "I hold it with pride, but I wondered if I was worthy of such an honor. One doesn’t usually reflect on a life’s achievement, especially at this age."

Of course, this chevalier’s honor was not for prowess on the battlefield, but instead for his contributions to French culture. Other Americans honored with this award include Paul Auster, Ornette Coleman and George Clooney.

Born in 1961 as the son of a diplomat, Rand moved to France when he was 4 years old, quickly developing a passion for French culture and art.

That love of art, combined with his scholarly pursuits, led Rand to the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in 1997 as a guest curator. He quickly became a permanent curator at the museum, becoming an "ambassador of the Clark" to other institutions around the world, said the Clark’s director, Michael Conforti.

Among Rand’s work included the French Regional & American Museum Exchange, or FRAME, which


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allowed 24 museums in both countries to share their resources.
Describing FRAME as "one of the best catalysts of cultural exchange between France and the United States," Guilhou pinned the Order’s silver medallion upon Rand’s chest. "We are greatful for your intellect and scholarly energy, and your love of French culture," Guilhou said.

With his friends and family around him, Rand said that he was overwhelmed by the honor, and said that he was happy not just to be recognized, but joked that people could now start calling him "Sir."

Asked the secret of his success, Rand urged people to "love what you do, and develop strong relationships with people. In the museum world, that goes a long way toward success."