Organizer Information
The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts is a historic artist-led institution based in Chicago, United States. Founded in 1895 by students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, it has evolved into one of the most established communities dedicated to representational and classical art practice in North America. The organization functions as an educational hub, exhibition space, and professional network for artists working across traditional and contemporary realism.
With a strong legacy of supporting figurative and academic traditions, the institution has hosted generations of painters and draftsmen, maintaining a focus on skill-based Visual Arts education and exhibition. Its annual programming includes exhibitions, workshops, and public-facing events that encourage dialogue between emerging and established artists.
Title & Description
Emerging Representational Art Competition & Exhibition 2026 – Palette & Chisel Chicago
The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts invites submissions for its annual juried exhibition dedicated to emerging artists working in representational Painting and Drawing. This competitive Exhibition is designed to highlight artists under the age of 40 who demonstrate strong technical ability, originality, and a commitment to figurative or representational traditions.
The program emphasizes both classical and contemporary realism, while also welcoming broader representational practices within the Visual Arts, provided they demonstrate high technical execution. Selected works will be exhibited for one month in Chicago, with additional programming including artist talks, demonstrations, and public engagement events.
This initiative is structured as both an exhibition opportunity and a professional development platform, offering emerging artists visibility within a respected institutional context. Exhibiting artists are encouraged to participate in associated public programming, transforming the exhibition into an interactive cultural Event that fosters discussion, education, and artistic exchange.
Categories
Visual Arts, Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Exhibition, Art
Eligibility
- Open to artists under 40 years old
- Applicants must be residents of the United States
- Only 2D non-digital works accepted
- Work must be representational in nature
- AI-generated work and giclée prints are not allowed
- Artwork must be original and created by the submitting artist
- Work must be for sale
- Submissions must comply with size and framing requirements
- Collaborative works are not explicitly mentioned (assumed individual focus)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cash prizes up to $2,500 USD
- Material awards from art supply sponsors
- National-level exhibition exposure in Chicago
- Inclusion in a curated juried Exhibition
- Public programming, including talks and artist demonstrations
- Sales opportunity with gallery exposure
- Institutional recognition within a historic arts organization
- Peer recognition award voted by participating artists
Application Fee
- $35 for up to 3 artworks
- An additional $10 per extra image submission
Application Requirements
- High-resolution JPEG images of artworks
- Portfolio images (max 3 works initially)
- Completed online application form
- Artwork details (title, price, description)
- Artist CV (recommended)
- Proof of originality and rights to reference material (if applicable)
- Optional additional images for an increased submission fee
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 May 2026
- Notification Date: 29 June 2026
- Exhibition Duration: 1 month (dates not fully specified)
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
- Double-blind jury selection process ensures anonymity
- A maximum of 2 works per artist may be selected
- Works must be framed, wired, and exhibition-ready
- Shipping costs are the responsibility of the artist
- Unsold works must be reclaimed or returned within set deadlines
- 30% commission applies to sold works
- Artwork may be reproduced for promotional and archival purposes
- Insurance liability remains with the artist
- Entry cannot be modified after the deadline closure
- Exhibition includes public programming such as talks and demonstrations