76th Annual National Exhibition of Traditional Realism

Overview

The 76th Annual National Exhibition of Traditional Realism, juried by Wende Caporale-Greene, is open to all living U.S. artists working in representational media. Any original work in oils, acrylics, watercolors, graphics, pastels, or sculpture completed within the past five years may be submitted.

Key Dates

• Entry Deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026
• Acceptance Notification: By Monday, August 24, 2026
• Shipped Artwork Due: Friday, September 18, 2026
• Hand-Delivered Artwork: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10am–2pm
• Exhibition: October 1–31, 2026
• Opening Reception: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 3–8pm (Awards at 4pm)
• Artwork Pick Up: Wednesday, November 4–Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10am–12pm
• Shipped Work Returned: November 4–6, 2026

Media Requirements

• Any original representational art in oils, acrylics, watercolors, graphics, pastels, and sculpture
• Casein and Egg Tempera will be judged with Acrylics
• Submissions must be completed within the past five years and be the artist's original composition
• No photographs, giclées, digital prints, artwork done in a class or under an instructor's guidance, or AI-assisted or digitally created artwork allowed

Size & Format Requirements

• Sculpture weight limit: 75 pounds (including crate if shipped)
• Sculpture must be fully assembled; submit two views with complete description including size, weight, and medium
• A limited number of sculpture stands will be available; artists encouraged to supply their own

Entry Fees

• Non-Members: $55 for 1 artwork, $10 for each additional artwork (up to 2 total)
• Members: $30 for 1 artwork, $10 for each additional artwork (up to 2 total)
• Member dues must be paid by May 31, 2026, or the non-member fee applies
• Fees collected via online submission process; credit card accepted

Awards

Over $10,000 in awards will be presented. Judge of Awards: Wende Caporale-Greene.

Shipping Instructions

Ship accepted entries to: New Hartford Artisans Guild, 545 Main Street (#40), New Hartford, CT 06057. Include a $30 handling fee (check payable to New Hartford Artisans Guild) and a return address label. Artwork must be received by Friday, September 18th. Pack well in a reusable carton; artist is responsible for any additional costs if packing is inadequate. Plexiglas is recommended for artwork shipped behind glass. Weight limit is 75 pounds including crate. NHAG will arrange return shipping and invoice the artist.

Artwork Pickup

All entries must be removed from New Hartford Artisans Guild no later than Saturday, November 7, 2026. Artwork not removed is subject to a storage fee of $10 per day. Artwork not picked up after 60 days becomes the property of the Academic Artists Association. Shipped work will be returned as soon after the end of the show as possible.

Contact & Venue

New Hartford Artisans Guild, 545 Main Street (#40), New Hartford, CT 06057. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 1–5pm. Phone: 860-712-1414 (shipping questions only). Email: [email protected]. For more information, see academicartistsassociation.org and download the prospectus.