Rising Voices: The Bennett Prize for Women Figurative Realists

Rising Voices: The Bennett Prize for Women Figurative Realists is a stipend and 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 administered by the Pittsburgh Foundation and awarded biennially, providing $25,000 annually over two consecutive years to the winning artist. Ten finalists will each receive $1,000 to participate in a traveling exhibition organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art, and the winner will be showcased in a solo exhibition at the close of her grant. The opening exhibition will be held from May 2 to September 8, 2019.

Eligibility is limited 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. Artists must be currently pursuing or intend to pursue a career as a full-time painter. Artists who will be full-time or part-time students while receiving the prize proceeds are not eligible. Artists who have received a prior award or grant exceeding $25,000, or sold any single work of art for $25,000 or more, are not eligible. Artists must have works available for exhibition and travel from February 1, 2019 through at least the end of 2021.

Entries must be traditional paintings (paint on a two-dimensional surface), with mixed media pieces accepted if paint is the primary material. Paintings must depict representational images of one or more figures. Paintings rendered over photographic images are not eligible. Only original works completed in the past five years are eligible. Submit a minimum of three and no more than five paintings plus one detail image (four to six images total). Entry fee is $50. Digital submission is required through the CaFÉ website. Jury notification will be provided by email no later than November 16, 2018. Accepted finalists must provide images and details for a minimum of four paintings by December 7, 2018. Artworks must arrive at the MMA by February 1, 2019. Paintings cannot exceed 6 feet wide by 6 feet high when installed. All works must be framed, dry, and completely assembled. Contact: Art Martin at [email protected] or 231-720-2575.