The Bennett Prize is a major award established to elevate women figurative realist painters who have not yet achieved full professional recognition. Endowed by Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt at the Muskegon Museum of Art, the program aims to level the playing field for women artists by providing financial support and a platform for a solo exhibition.
What selected participants may receive
75,000 grand prize, distributed as $37,500 annually for two years
10,000 award given to one other finalist
Solo exhibition at the Muskegon Museum of Art that travels the country
Eligibility
Open to women figurative realist painters
Not open to hobbyists, students, or artists whose work has been sold for $35,000 or more
Not open to artists who have received an award, prize, or recognition of $35,000 or more
Fees
Application fee: Not specified
Other costs: Not specified
Key dates
Call for entries deadline: September 19, 2026
Solo exhibition at Muskegon Museum of Art: Summer 2027
Application materials
Not specified
Additional notes
A five-member jury selects 10 painters from the entrants, then selects the winner and the recipient of the additional award from those 10.
The program is designed to promote the careers of women painters who have not yet realized full professional recognition.
Related opportunities
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