The Bennett Prize: Rising Voices 4
May 15 – August 24, 2025
The Bennett Prize: Rising Voices 4 is a juried exhibition of figurative realist paintings by women artists. The Prize, which awards $50,000 and a traveling solo exhibition to one of ten finalists, aims to propel the careers of women figurative realist painters and expand opportunities for women artists.
Historically, women artists have been underrepresented in museums, galleries, and collections around the world. The Bennett Prize aims to be a platform of recognition and empowerment for women artists to take their place among the most celebrated painters, often men, dominating the art world today.
The Bennett Prize was founded by Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt, who are among the country’s top collectors of figurative realist art. Their aim is to boost the careers of women figurative realist painters who have yet to reach full professional recognition and to bring figurative realist painting to a wider audience. The Bennett’s selected the Muskegon Museum of Art to be the premier venue for The Bennett Prize as they consider the museum to be one of the great hidden gems among American museums and their commitment to both women and realism art.
This year, a four-member jury selected the 10 finalists and the winner for The Bennett Prize: Rising Voices 4. The winner of the $50,000 prize and solo exhibition will be announced on Thursday, May 15 at the Muskegon Museum of Art.
Learn more about The Bennett Prize at www.thebennettprize.org
Opening Reception & Award Ceremony: Thursday, May 15 | 5 PM
2025 Winner:
To be announced on Thursday, May 15 at the Opening Reception
2025 Finalists
The Bennett Prize: Rising Voices 4 is underwritten by:
