Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2016

The Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition is open to all professional artists age 18 and over living and working in the United States and its territories. Each artist may enter one portrait depicting anyone—a friend, a stranger, a relative, or yourself—but it must be the result of the artist's direct encounter with that person. The work must have been completed after January 1, 2013. While the human form must be the focus, artists are invited to interpret portraiture broadly; for example, an entry might not include a face. Self-portraits are accepted.

Entries are accepted in all visual arts media, including painting, drawing, watercolor, sculpture, weaving, ceramics, photography, prints, video, film, and digital or time-based media. Two-dimensional works should be framed and must not exceed 7 feet by 7 feet by 8 inches (including frame) or weigh more than 150 pounds. Sculptures should not exceed 7 feet (height) by 7 feet by 4 feet or weigh more than 150 pounds. The entry fee is $45. Entries are accepted electronically only from August 1 through November 30, 2014.

Prizes include a first prize of $25,000 and a commission to portray a remarkable living American for the Portrait Gallery's collection; second prize of $7,500; third prize of $5,000; and up to four commended artists receiving $1,000 each. The People's Choice Award winner receives $500. All finalists' works will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery from March 12, 2016 through January 8, 2017, with a subsequent national tour through August 2018. Semifinalists will be notified by April 1, 2015, and finalists by September 18, 2015. Up to seven award-winning artists will be expected to attend the presentation ceremony in Washington, D.C. in March 2016, with travel and lodging costs reimbursed by the National Portrait Gallery.