PURPOSE OF THE AWARD
The core objective of the Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award is to champion exceptional talent within the contemporary art jewelry sector by providing vital institutional and financial backing for a dedicated solo presentation. By offering artists the platform to exhibit their work comprehensively, the award seeks to foster deeper critical engagement with the medium, encourage ambitious studio production, and elevate the visibility of makers who are pushing the boundaries of material, concept, and form. The initiative honors the legacy of its namesake by empowering individual voices and contributing significantly to the broader discourse of contemporary craft and design on an international level.
AMOUNT OF GRANT
While specific financial figures and structural breakdowns for the grant component are integrated directly into the broader award architecture managed by Art Jewelry Forum, the prize historically provides significant monetary support designed to alleviate the considerable expenses associated with mounting a professional solo exhibition. This funding ensures that the selected artist can focus entirely on the conceptualization, realization, and presentation of their work without facing the immediate financial burdens typically associated with exhibition production, transport, and installation in the competitive contemporary art market.
ENTRY CRITERIA
The entry criteria for the 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award are structured to attract accomplished, dedicated professionals who are actively shaping the future of the field. Eligible candidates generally include international makers, designers, and studio jewelers whose practices demonstrate a rigorous commitment to contemporary art jewelry. Entrants are expected to present work that reflects technical mastery, conceptual depth, and an innovative approach to materials and adornment. Because the award culminates in a prominent solo exhibition, applicants must be prepared to demonstrate that they possess a robust, cohesive body of work capable of filling an exhibition space and sustaining critical dialogue.
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Applicants must carefully adhere to the established proposal guidelines when preparing their submissions for the jury. A successful proposal typically requires a clear artist statement, a detailed project description outlining the vision for the proposed solo exhibition, and comprehensive visual documentation of recent work. The proposal must articulate not only the physical objects to be displayed but also the conceptual framework tying the collection together. Artists are encouraged to present work that is ambitious, forward-thinking, and reflective of their distinct artistic voice within the global contemporary jewelry landscape.
JURORS
To ensure the highest standard of evaluation and integrity, the Art Jewelry Forum has assembled a distinguished three-person jury consisting of respected specialists in the field of contemporary art jewelry. The panel brings together diverse global perspectives and deep expertise in curation, criticism, and studio practice. The jury for the 2027 cycle features Bella Neyman from the United States, Jorge Manilla representing Mexico, Belgium, and Norway, and Geraldine Fenn from South Africa. Notably, Geraldine Fenn earned her position on the 2027 jury as the winner of the previous 2025 award, establishing a tradition where past laureates directly contribute to the selection of the next generation of talent. AJF maintains this collaborative and peer-driven evaluation model to ensure that the award continues to resonate deeply with the values and standards of the international jewelry community.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The application requirements are designed to provide the jury with a comprehensive view of each candidate’s artistic trajectory and technical capabilities. Entrants must submit a specified number of high-quality digital images showcasing their recent portfolio, alongside professional support materials such as a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a biographical statement, and a thoroughly articulated artist statement. All submitted materials must meet the strict technical specifications outlined by the administration platform to ensure fair and equitable review by every member of the international jury.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications for the 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award officially open on September 1, 2026. Submissions must be processed through the designated online portal hosted via Creative West, accessible directly through the provided application links. Because the application utilizes the CaFÉ system, applicants must first navigate to the Creative West opportunity page, locate the embedded link directing them to CaFÉ, and either log into an existing user profile or create a new account to proceed with their submission.
An application fee of $25 is required for standard entries; however, this fee is completely waived for active members of Art Jewelry Forum, providing an added benefit for community participants. All components of the application must be successfully uploaded and finalized well before the absolute deadline. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time in Denver, Colorado, United States, on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Organizers emphasize that incomplete entries will not be reviewed under any circumstances, making early preparation and meticulous attention to detail essential for all prospective applicants.
WINNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Securing the 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award carries both prestigious honors and professional commitments. Beyond realizing the anticipated solo exhibition, the winning artist assumes specific duties within the broader community ecosystem. Most notably, in keeping with the award’s continuity model, the winner is expected to transition from applicant to evaluator by serving as an official juror for the subsequent edition of the award. This responsibility ensures that the artist’s voice and firsthand experience directly shape the future evolution of the program, maintaining a vital connection between past laureates and upcoming visionaries in the world of contemporary art jewelry.
