Press Release
Paris, France – [11 October 2025]
Photo 1. Dana in September 2025
In the heart of Paris, beneath the vaulted ceilings of the historic Opera, The Académie des Arts, Sciences et Lettres, honored international artist and scientist Professor Dr. Dana York (D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.) with the Médaille de “Vermeil”, ((Ruby) one of France’s most distinguished recognitions for lifetime achievement in artistic and scientific excellence.
This honor celebrates Dr. York’s exceptional contributions to the dialogue between art, science, and humanity, and her lifelong dedication to illuminating the sacred through beauty, light, and knowledge. As a member of the Académie since 2018, when she received the Silver Medal of Merit, this new distinction marks a milestone in her transcultural and multidisciplinary career.
Dr. York’s artistic journey spans over three decades and four continents, blending the 17th-century Venetian art of reverse painting on glass with sacred Jewish calligraphy, 24-karat gold illumination, and modern light technology. Her creations reinterpret the Ketubah, the ancient covenantal manuscript, into glowing crystal-glass compositions that unite ancestral wisdom and contemporary aesthetics. Her works have been exhibited at the Louvre Museum, Grimaldi Forum Monaco, Salmagundi Club of New York, and in sacred installations at the Grand Synagogue of Cannes.
Parallel to her artistic mastery, Professor York has built a distinguished scientific career as President of the European Medical Laser Association (EMLA) and former Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University. Her pioneering research in photobiomodulation, laser medicine, and AI ethics in healthcare has been presented in more than twenty countries and at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.
Currently, Dana York leads “The Illuminated Covenant”, a monumental international art initiative supported by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), merging visual poetry and public service. The project will debut twelve large-scale luminous glass panels in New York, Jerusalem, Cannes, and Paris, symbolizing unity, peace, and the universal light that connects all cultures.
Photo 2. One of the 55 m of windows painted and donated in the memory of her beloved father. Paul Vieru, Estella & Manus Gass.
Her philanthropic impact extends far beyond galleries: York has donated artworks to synagogues, autism organizations, and interfaith educational programs, believing that “art must heal as much as it inspires.” Through her nonprofit, EMLA INC, and the New York Agape Lions Foundation, she continues to advocate for victims of violence, education access, and creative empowerment across continents.
“This medal belongs not only to me, but to all who believe that art and science together can heal the world,” said Professor York during her acceptance speech.
“Each painting is a prayer in color, each discovery a spark of light — and light, like love, belongs to everyone.”
The Académie’s jury praised York’s oeuvre as “a symphony of light, spirit, and intellect — a bridge between civilizations and disciplines.”
Her latest works, part of The Illuminated Covenant, will travel through major cultural capitals between 2026 and 2027, continuing her mission of Tikkun Olam — the healing of the world through art.
Photo 3 The majestic interior of the Opera Intercontinental Hotel where the Academy of Art Science and Letters from Paris holds the ceremony each year. Dana’s Art Manager is Miss Benedicte Lecat
Contact Presse :
Dana York
dr.d.york@gmail.com
https://www.danayork.com/