Compete RMM Modeling Competition
Opportunity Description
U.S. National Deadline: January 23, 2026 – The Richard McDermott Miller Competition will take place at the 2026 Sculpture Celebration. It will be held at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Objective: To successfully model a bust from life (from the neck up), working from a live model. Modeling will be done in front of an audience (sculptors, patrons, and others who are attending the Sculpture Celebration). Each selected competitor will receive a Participation Scholarship (details below).
ELIGIBILITY
Sculptors must have been born between 1990-2005. All applicants must be citizens of or residents in the United States with a social security number.
SELECTION
Up to 10 sculptors will be selected to compete.
Supplies: Modeling clay, modeling stands, spray bottles and materials to build armatures are supplied. However, competitors must supply personal sculpture tools.
Expenses: Each selected competitor will receive a Participation Scholarship valued at $1250, underwritten by the estate of Charlotte Geffken. The scholarships include:
- Three night hotel stay
- $250 travel stipend for competitors who live 50+ miles from Old Lyme, CT
- Registration fee for the Sculpture Celebration events (May 15-16, 2026 in Old Lyme, CT)
- Copy of Miller’s autobiography, Heading for New York: A Sculptor’s Journey
- A one-year Associate membership with the National Sculpture Society
Each competitor is responsible for travel, his/her own meals and daily expenses.
AWARDS
Jurors will be looking for originality and talent, inspiration and personal interpretation – not just proficiency in replicating the model.
- Richard McDermott Miller Prize of $8,000
- Roger T. Williams Prize of $4,000
- Charlotte Geffken Award of $2,000
APPLY ONLINE – No Fee
Visit us for more details and to Apply.
About: Richard McDermott Miller (1922-2004), known as the Figure Sculptor of Soho, served as president of National Sculpture Society from 1997-2000. He left a substantial bequest to the National Sculpture Society, the largest in its history. His legacy and the endowment he provided will continue to support education programs that promote excellence in sculpture in perpetuity.
About:
National Sculpture Society (NSS) promotes excellence in sculpture that is inspired by the natural world. Programs include Sculpture Review magazine, the SculptureNews e-bulletin, scholarships, grants, exhibitions and competitions. Our Sculpture Celebration Conference features programs such as panel discussions, demonstrations, information sessions, studio tours, and awards presentations. These educational programs are just a few of the ways NSS serves as a link between the public, sculptors, educators, and collectors.
National Sculpture Society
6 E 39th St Ste 903
New York, NY 10016
