The Bennett Prize

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The Bennett Prize

Propelling the careers of women figurative realist painters. Their Collection is based on two similar but different beliefs.

Our founders Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt are avid supporters of figurative realist paintings of women by women artists. First, while women painters have produced remarkable work for centuries, they have not received the same degree of acceptance as their male counterparts. Second, in addition to the gender discrimination that has prevailed against women painters, over the course of time, figurative realism has come to be disfavored in many art schools, universities and galleries. Their hope is their collection and The Bennett Prize® will encourage and enable women figurative realist painters and likewise encourage others to collective figurative realist work. Find out more about their passion to propel women figurative painters at thebennettartcollection.com

10/12/2026

A guardian of the sea, a keeper of ancestral relationships, and a powerful voice in contemporary Indigenous art. Bennett Prize® 3 finalist Linda Infante Lyons’ Isuwiq, Guardian of the Sea is featured in Natchiq | Onkeehq | Isuwiq: Indigenous Artists Honor the Seal at the RISD Museum through Oct. 25, 2026.

Bringing together artists from Alaska and Inuit Nunangat, the exhibition explores the seal as a cultural connector and honors the enduring relationships between Indigenous communities and the beings who share their waters.

Lyons’ work adds a deeply personal perspective to this conversation, connecting contemporary painting with ancestral knowledge, cultural memory, and the enduring presence of the sea.

Image: Linda Infante Lyons (Bennett Prize 3 finalist), lsuwiq, Guardian of the Sea©, 2025, oil on panel, 30 x 30 inches.

10/08/2026

Monica Ikegwu continues to wow the art world with her bold use of color! The Bennett Prize® 3 finalist returns to Los Angeles with Read in Red, her fourth solo exhibition with Band of Vices.

On view through Oct. 17, the exhibition features Ikegwu’s striking figurative paintings rendered almost entirely in shades of red, continuing her exploration of identity and presence. See what Monica has been creating since the Bennett Prize: thebennettprize.org/finalists/monica-ikegwu

Congratulations Monica!

Image: Monica Ikegwu (Bennett Prize 3 finalist), Red Monica©, 2026, oil on canvas, 8.8 x 12 inches.

10/07/2026

Women figurative realist painters are changing the conversation. Rising Voices 4 brings women artists to the forefront at the Bo Bartlett Center, featuring the Round 4 finalists and The Bennett Prize® 3 winner, Deng Shiqing, and highlights the diverse perspectives shaping contemporary figurative realism.

Experience both exhibitions at The Bo Bartlett Center in Columbus, Georgia, through Dec. 5, and discover the breadth of work being created by women figurative realist painters today. Learn more at thebennettprize.org/exhibitions/traveling-exhibitions

Image: Deng Shiqing (Bennett Prize® 3 winner), Selection©, 2024, oil on linen, 66 x 44.” Courtesy of C+N Gallery CANEPANERI (Milan-Genoa, Italy) & Gian Enzo SPERONE (Sent, Switzerland).

10/02/2026

Art that supports artists. Bennett Prize® 3 finalist, Laura Kartezky is celebrating Yaddo’s centennial with a new work created for the organization’s benefit auction.

Things I Found Twice in Saratoga, combines oil on panel and glazed ceramic stoneware in a multimedia work inspired by Saratoga. Laura continues to create work that invites us to look closely at place, memory and discovery.

As Yaddo celebrates 100 years of supporting artists, bid on her work and help carry its mission forward. The auction closes Tuesday, Oct. 6, at noon EST. Learn more at https://www.artsy.net/auction/yaddo-benefit-auction-2026

Image: Laura Karetzky (Bennett Prize 3 finalist), Things I Found Twice In Saratogo©, 2026, oil on panel, ceramic and glazes, 16 x 15 3/4 x 11/4 inches.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Bennett Prize® 2 finalist Holly Keogh on being selected for the inaugural FQ Studio Residency in London's Fitzrovia Quarter.

Chosen as one of six artists, Holly will spend six months developing new work in a collaborative creative community exploring the theme, "What Holds Us Together."
A Goldsmiths MA graduate, Holly's innovative painting practice uses upholstery foam and bodily pressure to create works that explore intimacy, visibility, and contemporary visual culture.

We are excited to follow Holly's residency and see how this experience shapes the next chapter of her work. Learn more about Holly at thebennettprize.org/finalists/holly-keogh

Image: Holly Keogh (Bennett Prize 2 finalist), Private Garden©, 2025, acrylic on canvas, 63 x 47 inches.

09/22/2026

The entries are in. Now the conversation begins.

With the Round 5 call officially closed, our jury is turning its attention to the work. Over the coming weeks, they’ll study, discuss and deliberate across an extraordinary field of submissions as they take on the difficult task of selecting 10 finalists.

Ten artists whose work will rise to the next stage of The Bennett Prize®. Ten voices helping shape what comes next in figurative realism.

The finalists will be announced Nov. 30.

The work has been submitted. The decisions are underway. The next chapter is taking shape. Learn more about our jurors at thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/jurists

Image: Nicole M. Santiago (Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt Award recipient), Indulgence III©, oil on panel, 48 x 31.

09/19/2026

TODAY’S THE DEADLINE.

There’s still time to make your mark.

Entries for The Bennett Prize® Round 5 close tonight, Sept. 19, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
If your work is ready, don’t wait until tomorrow. Submit your entry before the clock runs out.

https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/16813/CAFE

Image: Michelle Doll (Bennett Prize 1 honorable mention), Love Me til the End of Time (Bride with her Bridesmaids)©, 2025, oil on linen, 42.5 x 57 inches.

09/15/2026

Thinking about entering The Bennett Prize®? Check the rules. Then hit submit.

Round 5 entries close Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Are you:
• A woman artist, 18 or older?
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
• Creating figurative realist paintings?
• Ready to submit up to three eligible works?
• Ready to take your place among the next generation of figurative realist painters?

The stakes are higher than ever. The winner receives $75,000, a solo traveling exhibition opening at the Muskegon Museum of Art, national media attention and a place among 50 Bennett Prize alumnae.

Five cycles. 10 years. 50 women artists. One winner.

Make sure you’re eligible. Make sure your work is ready. Then enter by Sept. 19. Check out our FAQs at thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/entry-faqs

Image: Haley Hasler (Bennett Prize 3 finalist), Fall of Man©, 2024, oil on canvas, 60 x 48 inches.

09/13/2026

This fall, Bennett Prize® 2 finalist Tanmaya Bingham will be part of the West Michigan art scene through ArtPrize, with her work on view at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Grand Rapids from September through October 2026.

Exploring the region’s art scene? Add Bingham’s work to your ArtPrize stops, then visit Bennett Prize partner Muskegon Museum of Art, where you can experience more work by Bennett Prize alumnae.

And for women figurative realist painters, the clock is ticking. 10 days remain to enter Round 5 of The Bennett Prize. Entries close Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Five cycles. Ten years. Fifty women artists. Your work could be part of what comes next. Apply and be seen.

https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/16813/CAFE

Image: Tanmaya Bingham (Bennett Prize 2 finalist), Mint Life Saver©, 2023, colored pencil-acrylic and watercolor paint on panel, 48 x 38 inches.

09/09/2026

Bennett Prize® 3 finalist June Glasson is bringing creativity to the community with a special Paint & Sip at Millbrook Winery on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Glasson will share her watercolor process and guide participants in creating their own work inspired by the landscape. Known for her imaginative figurative paintings exploring identity, storytelling and the representation of women, Glasson continues to expand the conversation around figurative realism.

At The Bennett Prize, we celebrate artists who use their voices to shape the future of figurative realism. Now, it’s your turn.

Entries for Round 5 close Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m. MST. The winner will receive $75,000, a solo traveling exhibition, national media attention and a place among 50 Bennett Prize alumnae.

The deadline is approaching. Your work belongs in the conversation. Apply and be seen. https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/16813/CAFE

Image: June Glasson (Bennett Prize 3 finalist), Pim©. 2, oil on panel, 30 x 24 inches.

Address

Muskegon, MI

Telephone

(412) 391-5122

Website

http://www.thebennettprize.org/

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