Compete CaRt26: Contemporary Art in Realism
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: April 13, 2026 – Join 3 Square Art Gallery in celebrating realism’s enduring legacy and dynamic present. CaRt26 | Contemporary Art in Realism invites artists worldwide to submit works showcasing masterful realism with fresh relevance—photorealist precision, figurative storytelling, innovative everyday perspectives, or thoughtful modern narratives.
In the mid-20th century, Abstract Expressionism dominated, prioritizing abstraction, emotion, and gesture over literal representation. Yet in the 1960s, Contemporary Realism emerged as a powerful counterpoint, reclaiming the observable world with clarity and technical sophistication.
Today, realism is surging anew—a testament to its timeless appeal and universal resonance. In an age of digital abstraction, AI-generated imagery, and fleeting virtual experiences, there’s a renewed hunger for the unmistakably human: the artist’s deliberate hand, eye, and craft that create tangible, authentic connection. Realism offers grounding in shared reality, emotional depth, and the simple yet profound challenge of bringing an image to life through mastery of the medium.
Let’s bridge past traditions, present innovations, and future possibilities.
Exhibit Date: June 19 – July 31, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
The CaRt26 | Contemporary Art in Realism competition is open to artists worldwide aged 18+ (at time of entry) submitting original works created on or after April 2021 (any work completed before then will be disqualified).
- The theme of this exhibition is contemporary realism. We seek masterful representational works that capture the essence of the observable world with fresh relevance—whether through portraits, figures, still lifes, interiors, landscapes, or other everyday subjects infused with a modern, objective sensibility.
- Media: Traditional only—Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking (drawing-based). No digital art, photography, AI-generated elements, or reproductions.
- Artworks must be have been created in the past 5 years; any artworks completed before April, 2021 will be disqualified.
- No size restrictions, provided the work fits through a 6ft x 7ft doorway for installation/shipping.
- All artwork must be original, independently created, and not produced under instructor direction (e.g., workshops/classes).
JURY
Juried by four contemporary masters of realism (see bio’s here):
Kazuhiro Yamada
Kumiko S. McKee
Ricki Klages
Rubén Fernández Pereira
AWARDS & BENEFITS
$3500 in cash awards:
- 3SA Gold Award: $2000 + Certification
- 3SA Silver Award: $1000 + Certification
- 3SA Bronze Award: $500 + Certification
- Honorable Mention Award: Certification
Selected artists for the exhibition receive the following benefits:
- Juried Exhibit
- Posting to 3SA website and social media platforms
- Professional exhibition space and display of artwork
- Leading Art Center with presence in Northern Colorado and Miami (great addition to resume)
- Accepted artists will be listed on the 3SA website with their work and link to their website
- Press releases on exhibition sent to 3SA media outlets
APPLY ONLINE – From $65 Entry
Visit us for more information and easy online entry.
Notifications: April 29 – May 6, 2026.
About:
3 Square Art’s is a fine art gallery in Northern Colorado. The beautiful space and high ceilings provide the perfect venue for varying sizes of works and installations. The gallery is focused on the “S” component of CSL (Creating, Sharing, Learning) or Sharing and will feature exhibits from national and international artists. 3 Square Art’s ongoing exhibits feature themed topics to push the boundaries and business of art as well as to have fun and connect with others.
3 Square Art
2415 Donella Ct Ste 110
Fort Collins, CO 80524
T: 970-581-9046
