Muskegon, Michigan — The Bennett Prize, the largest art award dedicated to women in figurative painting, revealed its latest winner at an exhibition at the Muskegon Museum of Art. This year’s top honor goes to Amy Werntz of Dallas, who previously reached the finals in 2021.
Werntz’s award-winning pieces feature poignant depictions of elderly subjects, predominantly women, as they engage in daily activities such as dining in a café or shopping. Her lifelike portrayals aim to evoke intimacy and validate the experiences of older individuals.
Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt, who co-founded The Bennett Prize with her husband, Steven Alan Bennett, highlighted the importance of Werntz’s artwork, stating it invites viewers into a personal moment with its subjects. This year’s judging panel marked a historic moment, as it was composed entirely of women, including prominent figures in the art world such as painter Margaret Bowland and Angela Fraleigh, a professor at Moravian University.
The jury was particularly impressed by Werntz’s vision to use the $50,000 prize to explore new artistic directions, shifting the viewer’s perspective in her forthcoming works. “Certainly, people can do whatever they want with the money, but she had thought about how her painting style would evolve,” Schmidt noted.
As part of the prize package, Werntz will have a solo exhibition, set to travel alongside works from all 10 finalists, culminating in a series of events leading to the fifth Bennett Prize in 2027. Shiqing Deng, the previous winner, will also have her work showcased alongside this year’s finalists.
Nicole Santiago from Williamsburg, Virginia, was named the runner-up and awarded $10,000. The judges commended her intricate portrayals of figures within cluttered environments, which prompt viewers to consider the complex lives of modern individuals.
Teaching methodology played a significant role in this year’s selection process. The judges, with backgrounds in education, emphasized the importance of empowering women artists to navigate a market often biased against them. Bowland voiced concerns about the ongoing struggles faced by female students in art, noting that many still lack the confidence found in their male counterparts.
All finalists in the competition participated in workshops designed to improve their understanding of the art market. The prize aims to cultivate not only individual careers but also a sense of community among female artists, allowing them to support one another through the challenges of the industry.
Since its inception in 2019, The Bennett Prize has sought to uplift women artists by providing opportunities that enhance their visibility and professional standing. With a $3 million endowment, the prize has significantly impacted the careers of its finalists, who have collectively garnered numerous awards and recognition in various exhibitions.
Following the award announcement, Werntz’s work will be displayed in the museum’s recently opened Bennett Schmidt Pavilion, which is dedicated to showcasing female artists. Schmidt and Bennett’s legacy is expected to influence future generations of women creators.
“Having the Bennetts champion my work was one of the largest facts of my life,” Bowland reflected, expressing gratitude for their ongoing support throughout her career.
For those interested in applying for The Bennett Prize, additional details can be found on their official website.
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