2018 Neddy Artist Awards

The Neddy Artist Awards at Cornish College of the Arts gives cash awards to visual artists based in the greater Puget Sound region (Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, San Juan, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties). The award is funded by the Behnke Foundation and stewarded by Cornish College as a tribute to Seattle painter and educator Ned Behnke (1948-1989). Each year two $25,000 unrestricted cash awards are given—one in painting and one in any medium or combination of media grounded in the visual arts (referred to as "Open Medium")—to artists creating outstanding work and who demonstrate commitment to and development of their artistic practice over time. Six finalists, three in each category, receive $1,500 each.

Awardees must demonstrate artistic excellence and commitment to and development of their work over time, as well as demonstrated engagement with the world through art. One award honors artists who identify their work in terms of painting, whether traditional or newer interpretations of the medium. The other award honors artists working in any medium or combination of media grounded in the visual arts.

Eligibility requirements: Artists must be full-time residents of Washington State in the greater Puget Sound region and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Artists must be 18 years or older, active in creating and developing their work, and available for a national juror visit and video production on dates to be provided. Previous award recipients are ineligible; previous finalists are eligible after a one-year hiatus. Full-time core faculty and trustees at Cornish College are ineligible, as are students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs. Work samples must include 12-15 images, with optional audio (0-6 files) and video (0-6 files).