The Bennett Prize Opens Fifth Call for Entries
Women figurative realist painters can enter to win $75,000 and a traveling solo exhibition.
The Bennett Prize: Propelling the Careers of Women Figurative Realist Painters
About The Prize
The Bennett Prize is a stipend/grant-in-aid program established by American art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt to support the fine art practice of a woman painter working in figurative realism. The Bennett Prize, administered by The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA), is awarded biennially and provides $75,000 over two consecutive years ($37,5000 annually).
Ten (10) finalists will be selected to participate in a traveling exhibition organized by the MMA and the winner will be showcased in a solo exhibition at the close of her grant. A runner up award of $10,000 will be given to one additional finalist.
Eligibility
The Bennett Prize is open only to women eighteen (18) years or older residing at least part time in the United States (50 States and Washington, D.C.) whose primary practice is the creation of original paintings in the genre of figurative realism, and who identifies as a woman, regardless of their assigned gender at birth.
This includes trans and cis women and nonbinary people. Part-time residence must include an active studio practice in the U.S. (On-site studio visits are a required component of The Prize.) U.S. Citizenship is not required.
Artists must be currently pursuing, or hope to pursue, a career as a full-time painter.
No contestant may be a full- or part-time student at any time during the period from the conclusion of the call for entries through the announcement of the winner. The winner of The Prize may not be a full- or part-time student at any time from the conclusion of the call for entries through the opening of her solo Prize exhibition. Employment during the period of the grant DOES NOT affect eligibility.
Artists who have received a prior award or grant of $35,000 or more, or sold any single work of art for $35,000 or more, are NOT eligible.
To be considered for The Bennett Prize, artists are required to participate in the exhibition of finalists, both by the submission and display of their work and attendance at the opening event. Artists must have works available for exhibition from Feb. 12, 2027 through Sept. 2029.
Entry
Entry is digital, through the CaFÉ site. Search keyword “Bennett.” A free CaFÉ registration is required. Artists should submit a minimum of three (3) and no more than five (5) artworks and one detail, for a total of four (4) to six (6) images.
Number of Entries
Each artist may submit up to five (5) paintings for consideration by jurors. All entrants must also include one (1) detail image that demonstrates their craft and technique. Entries that do not include a minimum of three (3) pieces and one (1) detail will not be considered.
Digital Entry
Digital image files must conform to the requirements as listed on the CaFÉ site. Be sure to supply the title, media, and dimensions of your entries. Incomplete entries will not be juried. Professional photography of artworks is encouraged but not required.
Eligible Entries
Paintings must depict representational images of one or more figures of any gender. Figures may be clothed or nude and do not need to be photorealistic. All entries must be traditional paintings, which is defined as paint upon a two-dimensional surface. For this purpose, watercolor, gouache, and pastels are considered “paint.” Mixed media pieces will be considered as long as paint is the primary material. Paintings rendered over the top of photographic images are NOT eligible. Only original works completed in the past five (5) years are eligible for consideration.
Questions?
Please read the Entry FAQs and then call the Muskegon Museum of Art at 231-720-2575.
Notification
Artists will be notified of the jury results by email no later than Nov. 1, 2026. Note: Public announcement of the finalists will occur later.
Acceptance
Accepted artists must provide images and details for a minimum of four (4) paintings available for exhibition no later than Dec. 18, 2026, to maintain their eligibility. If the artworks submitted for jurying are not available then any alternate works submitted for exhibition must be representative of the juried pieces. Available paintings that deviate substantially in quality or theme from the juried works will not be considered and the accepted finalist will be disqualified and replaced with an alternate. To be considered for exhibition paintings must meet the criteria established in these rules. Depending on scale, two (2) or more paintings will be selected for exhibition from each of the ten (10) finalists. Finalists will be notified by Jan. 8, 2027, of which paintings to send for exhibition. Artworks for exhibition must arrive at the MMA no later than February 12, 2027 and be available for travel through September 2029.
Exhibition Criteria
Paintings must be fully dry and suitable for travel to multiple venues. Ideally, paintings will be framed, though this is not required. All works must hang using wires, cleats or D-rings. Works on paper must be framed and glazed. In the event you are selected as a finalist, MMA staff will coordinate with you on preparation for display and travel as necessary.
Delivery
The Muskegon Museum of Art will cover packing and shipping costs to and from the artist. Artworks must be shipped to arrive at the MMA no later Feb. 12, 2027. MMA staff will coordinate with the ten (10) finalists on shipping arrangements. Art will be sent to:
Attn: Bennett Prize
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
Email: bennettprize@muskegonartmuseum.org
Phone: 231-720-2583
fee: The fee for entry is $50. Refunds cannot be provided after entry. No refunds will be given for ineligible or disqualified entries so read all terms carefully before applying.
deadline: 11:59 p.m. MST Sept. 19, 2026.
more info: https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/complete-rules
