Figurative Juried Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: October 17th – November 9th, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, October 17th, 2025, 6–8 PM
Location: The Art League of New Britain, 30 Cedar Street, New Britain, CT
The Art League of New Britain’s 2025 Figurative Exhibit celebrates the timeless art of the human form through portraiture, gesture, and observation from life.
This annual exhibition highlights the diversity of approaches artists take when working with the figure — from classical studies drawn from live models to expressive, experimental interpretations of the body and face.
Featuring a range of mediums including charcoal, paint, pencil, and textile, the show brings together both emerging and established artists who share a deep appreciation for the challenge and beauty of figurative work.
Award Recipients
First Prize – $100
Daniel Theriault, “Reflection” (Oil on Canvas Paper)
Second Prize – $50
Ivy Strauss, “Looking Down” (Dye Stick on Fabric)
Third Prize – $25
Tom Reilly, “Portrait of a Man”
Honorable Mention – $25
Jim Bean, “Lost in Thought” (Charcoal)
Special Juror’s Gift – $25
Generously donated by juror Susan Strauss, who graciously waived her fee as a gift to the Art League.
Margaret Wilson, “Untitled” (Pencil)
The Art League congratulates all exhibiting artists for their outstanding contributions and invites visitors to experience the expressive range and vitality of this year’s figurative works in person.
Jurors Statement
When I came to jury the show, I found it thrilling to step into the studio and see all the work submitted and arranged artfully by Bruce Blackman against the walls of the main gallery space. The quality and variety of work is very impressive. I admire the vision, skill, and hard work all of the artists put into these entries
My thanks to Bruce also for his patience during the selection process. I did not find it easy. I spent a long time enjoying the sensitively and patiently done portraits and skillful figure drawings. However, in the final analysis, as an artist who always played things safe, I chose for the awards five artists whose art work serves as a testament to brave choices.
Dan Theriault in Reflection included a great expanse of white canvas that we leave happily for the emotionally moving portrait below.
Ivy Strauss in Looking Down used bold color dye sticks expressively over a patterned background in her gutsy, large-scale composition.
Tom Reilly found his own way for using color and value to indicate the planes and light in Portrait of a Man.
Jim Bean used both contrast of values and higher intensity color to move our focus to the attractive face of the model in Lost in Thought.
Margaret Wilson trusted a minimum of lines to speak eloquently in Untitled, her pencil composition.
I am very honored to have served as the juror. All the artists are to be applauded. I want to especially commend the ALNB for providing an environment where portraits and figure drawings of this quality are done.
Exhibition Dates: October 17th – November 9th, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, October 17th, 2025, 6–8 PM
Location: The Art League of New Britain, 30 Cedar Street, New Britain, CT
Overview
The Art League of New Britain offers the Figurative Juried Exhibition to showcase the significance of works produced from life by the local community. The displayed works illustrate the immersive and inspiring environment of life drawing groups, and anchors the tradition of practicing from a live model. Experience the variety of craft that emerges from the routine exploration housed in ALNB’s evening studio sessions.
Juror
Susan Strauss, Professional Portrait Artist and Professor at Tunxis Community College
Entry Fees
Artists are invited to enter up to four (4) entries
- ALNB Members: $15 for the first and $5 per subsequent entry
- Non-Members: $20 for the first entry and $10 per subsequent entry
- Fees are non-refundable. Payments are accepted via cash, credit card, or check.
To renew membership visit here.
Schedule & Key Dates
Online pre-registration is required. Visit www.alnb.org to register.
- Pre-Registration Dates: August 29th through October 3rd, 2025
- Submission Deadline: October 3rd, 2025
- Entry Notification: TBD
Receiving of Accepted Works
All accepted work must be hand-delivered to The Art League of New Britain on:
Tuesday, October 7th from 10am - 12pm and 5pm - 7pm.
Thursday, October 9th from 5pm - 7pm.
Pick Up of Unaccepted Works
Thursday, October 16th from 5pm - 7pm.
Pick Up of Accepted Works Post-Show
Sunday, November 9th from 4pm - 6pm.
Tuesday, November 11th from 10am - 12pm and 5pm - 7pm
Eligibility
- Open to all artists aged 18 and older.
- Works must have been started from life or have included a live model in the process
- Works must have been completed in the past three years, be original, and not previously exhibited in any ALNB show.
Submission Requirements & Guidelines
- All original media accepted. Digital art IS acceptable, with the exclusion of AI generated imagery.
- Works must be figurative in subject and have been started from life or have included a live model in the process. Portraiture is allowed.
- Size Guidelines:
Artworks total combined width unframed not to exceed 228 inches.
All 2D works MUST be ready to hang with wire or D-rings/ screw eyes. NO EASEL BACK FRAMES. The exceptions are prints on metal that have the keyhole hanger. All canvases must be framed, except for gallery wrap canvases with painted sides.
3D work- The Art League has a limited number of sculpture bases. Oversized sculptures are welcome if the artist supplies a base. Wall reliefs may not exceed 8” depth or a maximum of 40 lbs. Accepted work must remain on display until the show closes, including those that are sold. All accepted work must remain on display the entire time.
- Image files must be jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace. For best results, images should be at least 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi
- For help with your submissions, email info@alnb.org
Gallery Hours
During this exhibition, the Art League of New Britain will be open Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:30 - 4 pm except for October 31st, when the gallery will be closed.
You may be asked about your availability to gallery sit upon acceptance.
Details to follow
Awards (4 awards totaling $200)
- First Prize: $100
- Second Prize: $50
- Third Prize: $25
- Honorable Mention: $25
Sales & Commission
The Art League of New Britain receives a 30% commission on art sales.
Liability
By entering this show you agree to all stated conditions. This is a juried show, so your entry does not guarantee acceptance into this exhibit. Art League of New Britain., its officers or agents and the venue assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of any kind during transit, drop off, storage, exhibition or pick up.
Submission of all artworks, framing and other materials is at the sole risk of the artist. ALNB reserves the right to photograph work or use submitted images for publicity. The show committee reserves the right to reject work for any reason. There will be no substitutions. The ALNB is not responsible for any loss or damage to any artwork whatsoever. Artists exhibit at their own risk.
Contact
For questions, contact info@alnb.org.
Visit www.alnb.org for updates.