Art jewelry creators worldwide have a major opportunity to secure substantial financial backing for their upcoming projects, as applications officially open for the 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award. Offering a generous prize of $20,000, this prestigious grant is designed to advance the career of an exceptional artist working within the vibrant field of contemporary art jewelry. Open to international jewelry artists of any age, the award requires proposed projects to center broadly around the medium of jewelry. Interested creatives must submit their application materials ahead of the November 15, 2026 deadline.
This cycle marks the second time the Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) has presented this major award, made possible through the profound generosity and enduring love of art jewelry shared by benefactor Linda Peshkin. To shed light on the selection process and the profound impact of the award, AJF spoke with Bella Neyman, one of the three distinguished jurors appointed for the 2027 cycle. The remaining two jurors for this upcoming edition are Jorge Manilla and Geraldine Fenn, the latter of whom discussed her perspective in a previous interview published by the organization.
Reflecting on her personal journey and deep roots within the community, Neyman shared how she was first introduced to the genre approximately two decades ago. Her initial exposure came through an exhibition curated by Elyse Karlin that focused on jewelers of the Hudson Valley, hosted at the Forbes Gallery. However, she marks her true initiation into the contemporary art jewelry sphere through her engagement with the Art Jewelry Forum and a pivotal trip to Munich Jewelry Week a few years later. Demonstrating her ongoing leadership and dedication to the field, Neyman founded NYC Jewelry Week nine years ago—an annual festival that serves as a major platform for contemporary makers and where contemporary jewelry remains a central pillar.
Addressing the significance of the award and the broader landscape of the industry, Neyman emphasized why solo exhibitions hold such extraordinary value for working makers. She noted that the award addresses a critical gap, given that opportunities for contemporary jewelry artists to exhibit their work remain notably limited. According to Neyman, the most formidable barrier to mounting an exhibition is frequently financial. Producing a comprehensive showcase requires a considerable financial undertaking, particularly for artists who lack the institutional backing or resources of a dedicated commercial gallery. By providing a substantial cash prize, the Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award grants artists the vital resources they need to maintain creative independence.
Beyond the immediate financial relief, Neyman underscored that a solo exhibition serves as a crucial milestone of professional validation. Yet, she believes its true power lies in offering the artist a unique platform to articulate their artistic vision in a cohesive and thoughtful manner. Crafting a distinct narrative and presenting it to a broader audience allows creators to take their work out of the solitary confines of the studio and engage in far-reaching, meaningful conversations. In Neyman’s view, facilitating these expansive dialogues is the ultimate goal of a solo show, generating an impact that can profoundly shape an artist’s trajectory for years to come.
When considering the wider cultural ecosystem surrounding contemporary art, Neyman reflected on the pressing dialogues that practitioners should engage with today. While acknowledging that the most vital conversations vary widely depending on the individual creator, she stressed that artists must remain fiercely true to themselves and to the integrity of their personal practice.
Looking at the structures required to sustain the creative community beyond direct grants, Neyman emphasized that supporting artists demands a collective effort across all disciplines. Curators, writers, gallerists, and collectors all share a responsibility to play their part in nurturing the field. Furthermore, she advocated for systemic governmental responsibility in recognizing the vital role that the arts play within broader culture. Artists, she argued, need to feel securely supported not only to create their work, but to sustain a full-time professional livelihood from their craft.
Challenging outdated societal tropes, Neyman asserted that the romanticized notion of the "poor artist" is obsolete. When artistic expression possesses the profound power to transform lives, society must establish a reliable foundation for its creators. She cautioned that current cultural systems remain fundamentally flawed when communities actively discourage younger generations from pursuing careers in the arts out of fear that they will be unable to support themselves. Instead, Neyman called for a cultural shift: championing the importance of the arts, taking deep pride in craft, honoring cultural heritage, and actively encouraging individuals to express themselves in ways that move and impassion others.
Additional details regarding the application guidelines, submission requirements, and further information for the 2027 Linda Peshkin Solo Exhibition Award can be found directly through the Art Jewelry Forum platform.
