
Inviting artists globally to showcase the finest in contemporary realist painting at the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art, this competition offers artists with a prestigious platform and setting to exhibit their talent, win significant awards, engage with their peers, and contribute to the rich tapestry of representational art.
ACQUISITION AWARD: $25,000
The winning artist will be awarded $25,000 and the painting will be displayed in the rotating permanent collection at NSMA.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
NSMA will also host a People’s Choice Award. Voting will be open to all museum visitors during the length of the two month finalist exhibition, and the winner will receive $2,500.
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD
NSMA is collaborating with Rosemary & Co. Brushes to offer $2,500 in fine artist brushes. Rosemary & Co. Brushes is renowned for making the finest quality hand made artist brushes in the world. This award will be chosen by NSMA Director, painter Michael Klein.
EXHIBITION & PUBLICITY
An integral part of the competition is the exhibition and public recognition of the finalists’ works. The finalists’ paintings will be showcased in a two month long exhibition at NSMA this coming May and June, providing them with a platform for wider recognition and appreciation. All finalists and winners will be widely digitally publicized via NSMA’s website and social media.
JUDGING
A panel of jurors will select up to 50 finalists based on artistic merit and technical skill. These finalists will select a single Acquisition Award winner on the opening night through a private voting process in which each finalist must vote for a painting other than their own.
ALL SUBJECT MATTER WELCOME - Portrait, Figure, Landscape, Still Life, etc.
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15TH
NewSalemMuseum.com/Competition