Rising Voices: The Bennett Prize for Women Figurative Realist Painters

The Bennett Prize is a stipend/grant-in-aid program established by American art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt to support the fine art practice of women painters working in figurative realism. The prize is awarded biennially and provides $25,000 annually over two consecutive years to the winning artist. Ten finalists will be selected to participate in a traveling exhibition organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art, with the winner showcased in a solo exhibition at the close of her grant. The opening exhibition runs May 27 – September 5, 2021 at the Muskegon Museum of Art before traveling to additional venues.

Eligibility is open to women eighteen years or older residing at least part time in the United States whose primary practice is the creation of original paintings in figurative realism. Part-time residence must include an active studio practice in the U.S., and on-site studio visits are required. U.S. citizenship is not required. Artists must be currently pursuing or hope to pursue a career as a full-time painter and cannot be full-time or part-time students while receiving the prize proceeds. Artists who have received a prior award or grant of $25,000 or more, or sold any single work for $25,000 or more, are not eligible. Artists must have works available for exhibition and travel from February 7, 2021 through at least the end of 2023.

Entries are digital through the CaFÉ website. Artists must submit a minimum of three and no more than five paintings plus one detail image (four to six images total). Paintings must depict representational images of one or more figures and be traditional paintings with paint as the primary material. Only original works completed in the past five years are eligible. The entry fee is $25. The deadline for entry is 11:59 PM MST October 16, 2020. Artists will be notified of jury results by email no later than November 16, 2020. The MMA will cover packing and shipping costs to and from the artist, and travel and lodging expenses for the ten finalists to attend the opening event on May 27, 2021. For additional information, visit www.thebennettprize.org or contact the MMA at 231-720-2575 or [email protected].