Polly Cooper Chapter Daughter Inness Hancock Receives New York State Women in the Arts Recognition Award

September 26, 2026 — Inness Hancock, a member of the Polly Cooper Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), was honored with the New York State Women in the Arts Recognition Award during an awards luncheon held at the 130th New York State DAR State Conference.

The DAR Women in the Arts Recognition Award honors a woman who has demonstrated excellence in her chosen artistic genre and recognizes outstanding achievement in the non-performing arts. Eligible fields include fiber arts, fine arts, sculpture, music composition, literature and drama authorship, and artisan design and creation, including jewelry, metalwork, decorative painting, and pottery.

The award recognizes more than mastery of technique. Recipients are expected to have made an outstanding contribution to their artistic field through accomplishments such as innovative design, featured exhibitions, publication, research, or the development of artistic techniques.

Hancock’s distinguished career exemplifies the caliber of achievement celebrated by the award. Her work has received recognition from The New York Times and has been curated and exhibited at prestigious institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Katonah Museum of Art, and the DYoung Museum of Art in San Francisco. Her work is also held in numerous private collections and has been featured extensively in exhibitions throughout the United States.

“We are incredibly proud to see Inness recognized for her extraordinary artistic talent and contributions to the arts. The Polly Cooper Chapter is fortunate to have such a talented and accomplished Daughter among our members. This award is a wonderful reflection of the remarkable women who make up our chapter and the breadth of talents they bring to DAR,” said Rosemarie Schmidt, Honorary Chapter Regent of the Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR.

The Polly Cooper Chapter is proud to celebrate Hancock’s achievement and her significant contributions to the arts. Her recognition at the New York State DAR State Conference showcases the extraordinary talents and accomplishments of women within the New York State DAR community.

The 130th New York State DAR State Conference brings together members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution from chapters throughout New York State to conduct organizational business, recognize outstanding achievements, and celebrate the organization’s commitment to historic preservation, education, patriotism, and service.

About the Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR

The Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR, serves members throughout Westchester County and surrounding communities. The chapter is committed to the DAR mission of historic preservation, education, patriotism, and honoring those who have served our nation.