The American Academy of Arts and Letters will induct three new members into its distinguished list of American artists and writers in May. One is novelist Ward Just of Vineyard Haven. Bob Dylan, the first rock musician honored by the group, is part of this year’s group as an honorary member.
Mr. Just has written 17 novels, four short story collections, two nonfiction books based on his work as a correspondent for The Washington Post during the Viet Nam War, and a play.
His novel “An Unfinished Season” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2005. His novel “Echo House” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1997. He has twice been a finalist for the O. Henry Award, an award given for short stories
The artists Richard Tuttle and Terry Winters have also been selected for the 250-person organization, which elects members only after the deaths of existing members. The South African writer Damon Galgut, the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, and the Belgian artist Luc Tuymans will become foreign honorary members. Membership in the academy is commonly described as one of the most distinguished honors in the arts.