upcoming events
Portrait of Fani Silberman (1937-1942)
by Mary Burkett
In the Land of the Wooden Shoes:
A Holocaust Remembrance Project
A joint project of the Anne Frank Center and artist Mary Burkett, this gallery exhibit is comprised of six fine art portraits of Anne Frank at different ages and 20 portraits of other children deported from the Netherlands and killed in the Holocaust. The portraits are accompanied by the children’s biographies, which were verified by a scholar in Amsterdam.
The exhibit is appropriate for grade 6 through adulthood. There is a complete curriculum available for both middle school and high school. Doyle and Mary envisioned it as a traveling exhibit offered by the center for schools, museums, libraries, etc.
The Artist
Mary has drawn almost 200 fine art portraits since 2017, primarily of children killed in the Holocaust. Her work has been shown for members of Congress and in various locations in the United States and Europe. It has been praised by the White House, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral in England, among many others. Her portraits have been used for Yom HaShoah remembrances in the Israeli embassies in both Washington DC and Paris.
A documentary of Mary’s work entitled Beloved Children of the Holocaust is available on Prime, and her book The Little Book of Heroes is on Amazon. Mary does not sell her work, but it has been viewed millions of times on social media. Mary received the Anne Frank award as artist of the year in 2024. She is always happy to talk with students and give presentations.
Lenz Gallery Opening - Greenville
June 4, 2026 - 5:30 PM Opening Reception
february 9, 2026
anne frank awards gala 2026
Honoring the work that honors the legacy of Anne Frank and Otto Frank.
2ND Anne Frank Awards
about the anne frank awards
The Anne Frank Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who exemplify the values of courage, compassion, and a commitment to Holocaust education. This biennial event honors students, educators, artists, and community leaders who have made significant contributions to preserving the legacy of Anne Frank and promoting Holocaust education.
The evening will feature an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions in various categories, accompanied by a soiree with heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Event Tickets & Sponsorships
Limited sponsorship opportunities and early bird tickets are now on sale!
All sponsorships include 8 tickets to the event.
Gold Sponsor - $5,000
Access to VIP reception with honorees/special guests for 8 people
Reserved table for 8 people toward the front of the stage
Full-page acknowledgement in the gala program and logo/names on banner
Silver Sponsor - $3,000
Main event and VIP reception tickets for 8 people
Reserved table for 8 people
Half-page acknowledgement in the gala program and logo/names on banner
Bronze Sponsor - $1,500
Main event and VIP reception tickets for 8 people
Reserved table for 8 people
Quarter-page acknowledgement in the gala program and logo/names on banner
To become a sponsor, please contact Amy Austermiller at austerma@mailbox.sc.edu.
Gifts to the Anne Frank Center are processed through the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: #57-6017985).
Award Categories
2026 award recipients:
Student Award – Recognizing a student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Holocaust education through Anne Frank-related programs.
Educator Award – Honoring an educator who has made significant contributions to teaching about Anne Frank and the Holocaust.
Youth Expression Through Art Award – Honoring a young individual whose artistic expression—across any medium—captures the spirit of hope found in Anne Frank’s diary, blending creativity with a meaningful engagement with history in their community.
Anne Frank Youth Network Award - This award honors an Anne Frank Youth Network (AFYN) member who has embodied the network's mission and taken meaningful action to promote empathy, justice, and positive change in their community.
The Anne Frank Center Award for Achievement in Arts & Letters honors individuals whose creative work embodies the power of art and storytelling to inspire empathy and confront prejudice. Reflecting Anne Frank’s enduring legacy, the award celebrates those who use their voice and vision to illuminate truth and affirm our shared humanity.
Otto Frank Award for Outstanding Stewardship of Anne’s Legacy – Recognizing an individual or organization whose dedication preserves, protects, and advances Anne Frank’s legacy, carrying forward her story with integrity, compassion, and a lasting commitment to education and human dignity.
Additional Information
For more information and updates about the Anne Frank Awards, please contact the Anne Frank Center at afc@sc.edu.
LOOKING BACK - PHOTOS FROM 1ST ANNE FRANK AWARDS (2024)
Host your event with us
If you are interested in hosting an event at the Anne Frank Center, please download the form below, complete all required fields, and email the finished form to afc@sc.edu.
A member of our staff will review your request and contact you regarding availability, requirements, and next steps.
Submission of this form does not guarantee approval.