Actress Expected to Head Arts Endowment

WASHINGTON — President Clinton has selected actress Jane Alexander as chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts, according to Capitol Hill sources. The appointment could be announced as early as next week.

Alexander’s appointment has been sought by many members of the New York and Washington political and cultural communities, including artist Frank Stella, actor Michael Douglas, writer E.L. Doctorow, Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.) and Rep. Sidney R. Yates (D-Ill.), who helped create the NEA in 1965. The actress could not be reached for comment.