Painting Application

The Bethesda Painting Awards was established by Carol Trawick in 2005. Ms. Trawick has served as a community activist for more than 25 years in downtown Bethesda. She is past Chair of the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District, past Chair of the Bethesda Urban Partnership, Inc. and Founder of The Trawick Prize. Additionally, the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation was established in 2007 after the Trawicks sold their successful information technology company. 

Awards

Best in Show - $10,000
Second Place - $2,000
Third Place - $1,000
Young Artist* - $1,000
*Young Artist whose birthday is after February 26, 1995 may be awarded this prize.

The Jurors will select up to eight finalists who will be invited to display their work in a group exhibition at Gallery B in downtown Bethesda in June 2025.

Eligibility

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District invites eligible artists to enter the Bethesda Painting Awards. Artists must be 18 years of age or older and permanent, full-time residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. The selected artwork will be on exhibit in June 2025 at Gallery B in downtown Bethesda, MD.

All original 2-D painting including oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, encaustic and mixed media will be accepted. The maximum dimensions should not exceed 60 inches in width. No reproductions. Artwork must have been completed within the last two years and must be available for the duration of the exhibition. Artwork does not have to be for sale at the exhibition. Selected artists must deliver and pick up artwork to and from Gallery B. All works on paper must be framed to full conservation standards.

Jury

Kevin Mitchell
Lecturer of Studio Art, The Catholic University of America

Mary Proenza
Associate Professor of Art, Marymount University

Deadline: February 26, 2025
Click here for the online application
Create an account and user login. Upload images and pay $25 entry fee via major credit card.

Questions? Contact Jason Liu at jliu@bethesda.org.