The Palette & Chisel Emerging Artists Show

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.