The Bennett Prize

Congratulations to Bennett Prize 2 finalist Lavely Miller on the opening of Resonance: New Perspectives at Luca Fine Art last month.

This group exhibition brings together contemporary artists working across sculpted metal, beadwork, paper composition, and works shaped by light and reflection. While varied in medium, the works share a focus on exploring beauty, emotion, and the human experience through expanded ways of seeing.

Resonance reflects the idea of art as a space of connection between materials, ideas, and perspectives. The works invite close looking and open interpretation, drawing on both historical reference and contemporary culture.
Lavely’s inclusion highlights her continued engagement with material experimentation and contemporary figurative discourse.

Image: Lavely Miller (Bennett Prize® 2 finalist), Well You Tripped Me©, 2026, acrylic on paper on canvas, 40 x 30 inches.

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Know an artist whose work deserves to be seen? The winner of The Bennett Prize® Round 5 may be someone you already know! For many artists, a career-changing opportunity begins with someone who believes in their work enough to share it. A nomination, a conversation or a simple word of encouragement can open doors and create momentum at a pivotal moment.

The Bennett Prize was created to support women painters pursuing careers as full-time artists. Open to figurative realist painters who identify as women and are based in the United States, The Prize seeks artists who are advancing the field of figurative realism and are ready for their next chapter.

Despite progress, women painters remain underrepresented in museum collections, gallery rosters and auction sales. Changing that requires more than institutions. It requires advocates, mentors, peers and supporters who recognize talent and help bring it forward. If an artist comes to mind, tell her about The Bennett Prize. Your encouragement could be the reason she applies.

Read our latest blog post to learn more about eligibility, nominations and how you can help shape the future of figurative realism. The call for entries is open through Sept. 19.

Visit thebennettprize.org/news-items/encourage-someone-to-apply and tag an artist whose work deserves to be seen.

Image: Linda Infante Lyons (Bennett Prize® 3 finalist), The Wiinarpak's Prayer©, 2020. oil on panel, 24 x 24 x 0.5 inches.

The Bennett Prize

The appointment of Lynda Roscoe Hartigan as the next director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery is an encouraging moment for the arts community. Hartigan has built a distinguished career championing artists, expanding collections and increasing public engagement with American art. She also made history as the first woman to lead the Peabody Essex Museum.

At The Bennett Prize®, we believe opportunity and visibility can change the trajectory of an artist's career. That is why our mission is to propel the careers of women figurative realist painters and increase recognition for their contributions to contemporary art.
Congratulations to Hartigan on this important appointment. We look forward to seeing her impact on one of the nation's leading art institutions when she assumes the role in September. To read more, go to news.artnet.com/art-world/smithsonian-american-art-museum-director-hartigan-2766995

“Being a finalist for The Bennett Prize® definitely instilled another layer of confidence. It is an honor to be in the company of such accomplished artists.”
- Sara Lee Hughes

Recognition does not just validate past work. It pushes artists forward, encouraging them to trust their instincts and continue creating without hesitation. Learn why you should apply at thebennettprize.org/news-items/why-should-you-apply

Images: Sara Lee Hughes (Bennett Prize® 3 finalist), Fake Cake Girl©, 2026, oil on canvas, 40 x 37 inches.

The Bennett Prize

Congratulations to Bennett Prize 4 finalist Abbey Rosko on her upcoming group exhibition titled Broads on Butler, opening June 27 at Eleven20 Art Studios and Workspaces in Easton, Pennsylvania.

This thought-provoking exhibition explores identity, vulnerability and the social masks people wear through a diverse range of mediums, including oil painting, photography, digital collage and mixed media.

While each artist brings a distinct perspective, the work is united by themes of concealment and revelation. Faces are obscured, altered or framed, inviting viewers to consider the tension between outward appearance and inner experience. Together, the pieces examine how people navigate anxiety, self-expression and the personas they present to the world.

We are always proud to see our alumnae continuing to create meaningful work and engage audiences through powerful visual storytelling.
Join us in congratulating Abbey on this exciting exhibition.

Image: Abbey Rosko (Bennett Prize® 4 finalist), Meeting at the Zoo©, 2025, oil on paper primed with acrylic gesso, 9 x 16 inches.