Artist and environmentalist Maya Lin is the recipient of the prestigious Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize.

The $300,000 prize is one of the largest cash awards in the arts.

Lin's designs include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Lin is best known for her 1981 design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in Washington. The names of more than 58,000 dead soldiers are inscribed on its polished black granite façade. (Gary Cameron/Reuters)

She'll receive the prize at a private event in New York City on Nov. 12.

It recognizes individuals who have "made an outstanding contribution to the beauty of the world and to mankind's enjoyment and understanding of life."

Lin was chosen from among 100 nominees in all fields of the arts.

She's currently working on a multi-site work What is Missing? It focuses on the current crisis of biodiversity and natural habitats.

The annual prize was established in 1994 by actress Lillian Gish's will.

Past recipients include Frank Gehry, Bob Dylan and Spike Lee.