Oil Painters of America will be holding the 34th Annual National Exhibition & Conventionat the tail end of May. The prestigious month-long exhibition showcases the finest in representational artwork created by nearly 200 juried artists as well as many esteemed OPA Master Signature artists across North America. It’s a celebration of talent and passion for the traditional art of representational oil painting, punctuated by a diverse range of prominent painters.
Eric Johnson, Thomas White Eagle, oil on panel, 14 x 18 in.
Among the featured Master Signature artists are notable names such as Daud Akhriev, Kathy Anderson, Nikolo Balkanski, John Michael Carter, James Crandall, William Farnsworth and Patrick Saunders, who will serve as the juror of awards. As part of the exhibition, Saunders will award approximately $100,000 in cash and merchandise to exceptional participating artists, including the distinguished gold medal, which has a cash prize of $25,000. The show also features Master Signature artist and acting OPA president Jeremy Goodding, who creates stunning, traditional still lifes.
Nikki Davidson, Washout, oil on canvas, 12 x 24 in.
Other highly talented artists accepted into the 2025 show include Kyle Ma, Johanna Harmon, Richard Laurent, Qiang Huang, Dave English, Lori Putnam, Nikki Davidson, Blair Atherholt, Eric Johnson, Calvin Liang, Jill Basham, Paula B. Holtzclaw, Timothy Horn and many more.
Dave English, Black Mesa, oil on canvas, 20 x 30 in.
Oil Painters of America also focuses on supporting emerging talent in the art world, including the 5th Annual Student Art Competition for individuals aged 14 to 18 and 19 to 23. The top three winners in each division will be invited to exhibit their works in conjunction with this year’s National Exhibition in Bradenton, Florida.
Richard Laurent, Over the Moon, oil on panel, 11 x 14 in.
The National Exhibition & Convention opens with a reception at the Herrig Center for the Arts on Friday, May 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at Stone Hall in the Manatee Performing Arts Center from 8 to 10 p.m. Both of these events, as well as the exhibition as a whole, are free and open to the public. The show will be on view through June 28. For more information and a complete list of accepted artists, visit www.oilpaintersofamerica.com. —
Oil Painters of America’s 34th Annual National Exhibition & Convention
May 30-June 28, 2025
Opening Reception, May 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony, May 30, 8-10 p.m.
Herrig Center for the Arts
Bradenton, FL
www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
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