2025 Bethesda Painting Awards Competition

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The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District once again invites local artists to submit work to the 21st annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This juried art competition awards $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners.  The Bethesda Painting Awards was established by Carol Trawick in 2005.

      Ms. Trawick has served as a community activist for more than 25 years in downtown Bethesda. She is past Chair of the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District, past Chair of the Bethesda Urban Partnership, Inc. and Founder of The Trawick Prize. Additionally, the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation was established in 2007 after the Trawicks sold their successful information technology company.



Awards:

Best in Show - $10,000

Second Place - $2,000

Third Place - $1,000

Young Artist* - $1,000

*Young Artist whose birthday is after February 26, 1995 may be awarded this prize.

      The Jurors will select up to nine finalists who will be invited to display their work in a group exhibition at Gallery B in downtown Bethesda in June 2025.
 

Eligibility

      Artists must be 18 years of age or older and permanent, full-time residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. All original 2-D painting including oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, encaustic and mixed media will be accepted.

      The maximum dimensions should not exceed 60 inches in width and 96 inches in height. All works on paper must be framed to full conservation standards. No reproductions. Artwork must have been completed within the last two years and must be available for the duration of the June 2024 Gallery B exhibition.

      The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District will collect a 50% commission on any artwork that is sold during the exhibition. Artwork does not have to be for sale at the exhibition. Selected artists must deliver and pick up artwork to and from Gallery B.

Jury
 

  • Kevin Mitchell,  Lecturer of Studio Art, The Catholic University of America
  • Mary Proenza,  Associate Professor of Art, Marymount University
  • James Williams II,  Professor of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art


 

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