Urban Art Studio 101 Portrait Awards 2025

Urban Art Studio 101 Portrait Awards 2025

Event Overview

In 2025, Urban Art Studio 101 hosted its first major portrait-focused public art initiative in downtown Edmonton.
The Urban Art Studio 101 Portrait Awards – Founding Edition (2025) marked an important milestone in the studio’s history and laid the foundation for what would later evolve into The Canadian Portraiture Legacy.

This inaugural event brought together emerging and established portrait artists, celebrating technical excellence, creativity, and the emotional power of portrait painting.

Program Highlights

• Live portrait painting sessions with professional models

• Separate streams for Emerging Artists and Established Artists

• Professional judging panel of artists and educators

• Community engagement and studio visits

• Awards presentation and artist recognition

Event Schedule (2025)

Emerging Artists Program

• Live Painting Sessions: August 1, 3, 5, 2025

• Recognition Ceremony: August 7, 2025

Established Artists Program

• Live Painting Sessions: August 15, 17, 19, 2025

• Recognition Ceremony: August 21, 2025

Artist Recognition & Awards

Participants were recognized for artistic excellence through:

• Official Plaques of Recognition

• Certificates of Excellence

• Art supply packages (supported by sponsors)

• Features in Urban Art Studio 101 publications

• Exhibition opportunities at Urban Art Studio 101 and partner venues

Submission Framework (2025)

Eligibility

• Open to artists residing in Edmonton and surrounding areas

• Participants aged 18 years and older

Accepted Media

• Oil

• Acrylic

• Watercolor

• Pastel

• Mixed media

Artwork Size Requirements

• Minimum: 12” × 16”

• Maximum: 36” × 48”

Portrait Subject

• Human subjects, including self-portraits

Live Painting Sessions

Finalists participated in live portrait sessions with the following structure:

• 5-hour painting session

• Scheduled 15-minute breaks

• Professional easels and studio setup provided

• Well-lit, spacious downtown studio environment

• Light refreshments during breaks

Location:
Urban Art Studio 101 – Downtown Edmonton

Judging Process

Artwork was evaluated by a professional panel based on:

• Technical skill

• Originality and creativity

• Emotional impact

• Composition and overall presentation

Judges’ decisions were final.

Copyright & Artist Rights

• Artists retained full copyright ownership of their work

• By participating, artists granted Urban Art Studio 101 permission to use images of their artwork for documentation, promotion, and exhibition related to the event

• Artists were credited wherever their work was displayed or published

Code of Conduct

All participants were expected to maintain professionalism and respect throughout the event.
Any behavior inconsistent with a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment resulted in disqualification.

From Founding Event to National Legacy

The success and community impact of the Urban Art Studio 101 Portrait Awards 2025 directly inspired the creation of a broader national initiative.

In 2026, this vision expanded into:

The Canadian Portraiture Legacy

A long-term cultural platform dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and advancing portrait art across Canada through exhibitions, education, and national artist recognition.

Contact

For historical information or archive inquiries:

📧 [email protected]
📞 (780) 904-3828

© Urban Art Studio 101

Documenting our past. Building Canada’s portrait legacy.