The global contemporary art jewelry community is looking ahead to a prestigious new cycle of recognition as the Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) officially opens the pathways for the 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award. Serving as a vital stepping stone for mid-career and emerging creators, the award aims to highlight exceptional artistic vision, material innovation, and conceptual depth within the discipline of art jewelry. By offering global visibility and a coveted solo exhibition platform, the initiative continues to champion artists who are pushing the boundaries of wearable art and challenging traditional definitions of craft and design.
As the international arts sector prepares for the upcoming application cycle, artists worldwide are beginning to review the foundational guidelines, eligibility parameters, and submission requirements necessary to vie for this high-profile distinction. The competition is structured to attract rigorous conceptual proposals that demonstrate both technical mastery and a distinct personal voice. Creators who dedicate their practices to exploring the intersection of body, ornament, and meaning find in this award a rare opportunity to present a cohesive body of work to international audiences, curators, and collectors.
Distinguished International Jury Panel Named for 2027
A cornerstone of the award’s prestige is its independent, highly specialized jury panel. For the 2027 edition, the Art Jewelry Forum has assembled a trio of renowned experts representing diverse geographic and cultural perspectives within the global art jewelry landscape. The panel brings together deep scholarship, critical insight, and extensive curatorial experience to evaluate the submitted proposals.
The 2027 jury features Bella Neyman from the United States, an esteemed writer, curator, and co-founder of NYC Jewelry Week known for her tireless advocacy of contemporary design. Joining her is Jorge Manilla, an artist and educator whose professional footprint spans Mexico, Belgium, and Norway, bringing a profound understanding of visceral craftsmanship and cross-cultural dialogue to the evaluation process. Rounding out the distinguished three-member panel is Geraldine Fenn of South Africa. Fenn holds a unique position on the committee, having earned the distinction of winning the 2025 iteration of the award. In keeping with the tradition of the Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award, recent laureates take on the responsibility of helping evaluate the next generation of talent, ensuring a continuity of artistic standards and peer-led insight.
Application Process, Timeline, and Technical Requirements
Submissions for the 2027 award officially open on September 1, 2026, marking the beginning of an intensive review season for eligible makers. Interested applicants must complete their submissions through the designated digital portal hosted via Creative West, utilizing the CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org) platform. The application procedure requires artists to first navigate to the designated Creative West opportunity link, where they can securely access the CaFÉ submission system to upload their materials, artist statements, visual portfolios, and comprehensive project proposals. For creators who have previously utilized CaFÉ for other international open calls, existing user profiles can be seamlessly integrated into the current application process.
An administrative application fee of $25 is standard for applicants, though the Art Jewelry Forum has confirmed that this fee is entirely waived for active AJF members, offering a welcome benefit to the organization’s community. Time is of the essence for prospective candidates, as the submission window closes firmly at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time on Sunday, November 15, 2026, with the organization emphasizing that incomplete entries will not be considered under any circumstances.
Responsibilities and Future Engagement
The impact of the Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award extends far beyond the initial recognition and exhibition milestone. Recipients of the award assume specific professional responsibilities that integrate them deeply into the ongoing leadership ecosystem of the Art Jewelry Forum. Most notably, the chosen winner of the 2027 award will be expected to transition from applicant to evaluator, stepping up to serve as an official juror for the subsequent edition of the award. This recursive model ensures that the governance of the prize remains closely tied to the artistic community it serves, placing the power of selection directly into the hands of those who have navigated the rigorous demands of contemporary solo exhibition production.
