Compete The Palette & Chisel Emerging Artists Show
Opportunity Description
U.S. National Deadline: May 28, 2026 – Chicago’s Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts is pleased to announce an annual art exhibition and competition dedicated to showcasing and awarding upcoming talent in the world of representational art. Our goal is to select work by emerging artists under 40 years old that demonstrates an excellent command of foundational skills while following a distinct and personal creative instinct.
As our background is in classical and contemporary realism, we will be looking for pieces that arise from these traditions. Nevertheless, we welcome representational work that exists outside of these categories, so long as it demonstrates sufficient technical aptitude.
EXHIBITION
The show will be on view for one month. We will be organizing a number of events, including an opening reception, artist talks, demos, and more during this period. Our goal is for these events to transform the exhibition into more than just an art show by sparking thought, conversation and creativity inspired by the selected works. Exhibiting artists are encouraged to participate in these events.
Exhibition Dates: August 28 – September 26, 2026.
ELIGIBLITY
- Artists under the age of 40 living in the United States.
- 2-D work in any non-digital medium.
- AI generated work and giclée prints are NOT allowed.
- Work must be framed, wired and ready to hang upon delivery.
- No smaller than 8” x 10” and no larger than 30” x 40”. Work that exceeds 30” x 24” is subject to a $20 uncrating fee.
- Submitted work may have been completed under the guidance of a teacher or mentor so long as the critiques in question were verbal only. The entirety of the work must have been created by the artist’s hand. The teacher/mentor may NOT have drawn, painted, or in any way altered the piece during any stage of the creative process.
JUROR
Tina Figarelli is a realistic figurative artist working full-time in her home studio near Chicago, IL. At 26 years old, Tina has already made a name for herself in the art world, having placed in multiple Portrait Society of America competitions. Her painting, “To Bury A Friend,” was most recently awarded 1st place in PSA’s Members’ Only competition. Tina has participated in numerous group and solo shows in both local and national galleries, and is supported by collectors nation-wide and internationally… see more
AWARDS
1st place
- $2,500
- $100 E-Gift Voucher, courtesy of Rosemary & Co
- Set of 6 Richeson Oil Paints, courtesy of Jack Richeson & Co
- Gray Matters Travel Brush Set, courtesy of Jack Richeson & Co
2nd Place
- $1,500
- $75 E-Gift Voucher, courtesy of Rosemary & Co
- Plein Air Travel Brush Set, courtesy of Jack Richeson & Co
3rd Place
- $1,000
- $50 E-Gift Voucher, courtesy of Rosemary & Co
- Set of 20 Handrolled Landscape Pastels, courtesy of Jack Richeson & Co
The Michael Harding Artists’ Choice Award
Michael Harding Bricklane Selection of Oil Paints (set of 10)
APPLY ONLINE
Visit us for complete details and easy online entry.
SALES
Accepted work must be listed for sale. If sold, the Palette & Chisel is entitled to a 30% commission.
Questions about this exhibition?
Contact Iona Ellsworth (art@ionaellsworth.com) for questions.
About:
Founded in 1895 by students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts is one of the most influential communities of artists in the Chicago area. The Palette & Chisel is equal parts art school, gallery, and meeting place for professional artists, amateurs and students, alike. Over the years, many prominent painters, illustrators and draftsmen have studied and taught at the Palette & Chisel. Members of note include Walter Ufer, Edgar Payne, Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzick, Susan Lyon, Scott Burdick and Clayton Beck, among others. Please see our website for more information.
Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts
1012 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610
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