CaRt26 | Contemporary Art in Realism

Join 3 Square Art Gallery in celebrating realism’s enduring legacy and dynamic present. CaRt26 | Contemporary Art in Realism invites artists worldwide to submit works showcasing masterful realism with fresh relevance—photorealist precision, figurative storytelling, innovative everyday perspectives, or thoughtful modern narratives. In an age of digital abstraction, AI-generated imagery, and fleeting virtual experiences, there’s a renewed hunger for the unmistakably human: the artist’s deliberate hand, eye, and craft that create tangible, authentic connection. Realism offers grounding in shared reality, emotional depth, and the simple yet profound challenge of bringing an image to life through mastery of the medium. Exhibition & Awards: The exhibition will run from June 19 to July 31, 2026, at 3 Square Art Gallery in Fort Collins, Colorado. Juried by four contemporary masters of realism (Kazuhiro Yamada, Kumiko S. McKee, Ricki Klages, and Rubén Fernández Pereira), the competition offers $3,500 USD (approx. $5,950 NZD) in total cash awards: 3SA Gold Award: $2,000 USD (approx. $3,400 NZD) + Certification 3SA Silver Award: $1,000 USD (approx. $1,700 NZD) + Certification 3SA Bronze Award: $500 USD (approx. $850 NZD) + Certification Eligibility & Guidelines: Open to artists worldwide aged 18+ (at the time of entry). The theme of this exhibition is contemporary realism. We seek masterful representational works that capture the essence of the observable world with fresh relevance. Media: Traditional only—Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking (drawing-based). No digital art, photography, AI-generated elements, or reproductions. Artworks must have been created in the past 5 years; any artworks completed before April 2021 will be disqualified. All artwork must be original, independently created, and not produced under instructor direction (e.g., workshops/classes). If using reference photographs, they must be taken by the artist. There are no size restrictions, provided the work fits through a 6ft x 7ft doorway for installation/shipping. Submission Details: Entry Fee: $65 USD (approx. $110 NZD) for the first 3 artworks. Each additional artwork is $15 USD (approx. $25 NZD), up to a maximum of 5 total per artist.