14th Biennial Alexander Rutsch Award and Exhibition for Painting 2027

Overview

Pelham Art Center is pleased to announce a call for entries for the 14th Biennial Alexander Rutsch Award and Exhibition for Painting. This juried competition is open to U.S.-based artists aged 19 and older. The winner is awarded a $7,500 cash prize, a solo exhibition and printed catalog at Pelham Art Center and $2,500 is divided among the finalists. This program honors the memory and artistic achievement of artist Alexander Rutsch (1916 – 1997), who actively supported Pelham Art Center for more than 25 years.

Key Dates

• Entries accepted: October 1, 2026 - December 13, 2026
• Entry Receipt Deadline: December 13, 2026 11:59pm MST
• Finalists Notified: January 18, 2025
• Winner Notified: February 10th
• Exhibition Dates: May 20 - July 11, 2027
• Opening Reception & Award Presentation: Thursday, May 20, 2027 from 6-8PM

Eligibility

• Location: National (US based artists only)
• Age: 19 years of age and older
• Applicant Type: Artist
• Media: Paintings only. All work submitted must be available for exhibition and be categorized as paintings.

Award

• Prize winner: Solo exhibition at Pelham Art Center and a cash award of $7,500.
• Award finalists: Cash stipends totalling $2,500.

Application Requirements

• Submission Limit: 1 application per artist.
• Images: Submit exactly five (5) digital painting images.
• Image file format: JPEG only.
• Image file dimensions: No smaller than 1200 pixels on the longest side.
• Image file resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution).
• Image file size: 5 MB maximum.
• Work Size: Paintings must not exceed 84 x 84 inches.

Entry Fee