Josh Simpson & Art in Embassies Program

Established by the United States Department of State in 1964, the ART In Embassies Program is a global museum that exhibits original works of art by U.S. citizens in the public rooms of approximately 180 American diplomatic residences worldwide. These exhibitions, with art loaned from galleries, museums, individual artists, and corporate and private collections, play an important role in our nation's public diplomacy. They provide international audiences with a sense of the quality, scope, and diversity of American art and culture through the accomplishments of some of our most important citizens, our artists. Mission Statement, ART in Embassies Program (aiep."state.gov")

 I have been participating in the ART in Embassies program since 1999. When appointed, each ambassador is given the opportunity to select art for the Embassy. In the past my glass (Megaplanets, Blue New Mexico Bowls and Inhabited Vases)  have been included in Embassies in Canada, Austria, Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Philippines , Kuwait, Egypt, Iceland, Oman and Burundi.  I am pleased that the Embassy  in Riyadh , Ankara Turkey, and Nouakchott Mauritania are currently exhibiting pieces of my art.  If you are ever an Embassy guest, please let me know if you get even a glimpse of the art.

Visionary Landscapes, my museum exhibit which traveled around the world, exhibited in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei at the invitation of Ambassador Gene Christy in 2004. The ART in Embassies program sponsored my trip to attend the opening of the exhibition, give several slide lectures, and visit glass studios and other craft artists in Brunei.

Presentation of a New Mexico Platter on behalf of the American people as a wedding gift for the Crown Prince of Brunei in the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan of Brunei's primary residence. Presentation by Ambassador & Mrs. Gene Christy (right) to members of the wedding organizing committee responsible for receiving wedding gifts.