The Canadian Portraiture Legacy 2027
Applications Now Open
The Canadian Portraiture Legacy returns in 2027, bringing together emerging and established portrait artists from across Canada for a national celebration of portraiture, artistic excellence, and creative legacy.
Celebrating Excellence. Preserving Legacy.
THE CANADIAN PORTRAITURE LEGACY 2027
Celebrating Excellence. Preserving Legacy.
A National Portrait Competition for Artists Across Canada
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Building on our 2025 founding portrait event and the launch of The Canadian Portraiture Legacy in 2026, we invite emerging and established artists from across Canada to take part in the next chapter of this growing artistic tradition.
Celebrating Excellence. Preserving Legacy.
Celebrating Excellence. Preserving Legacy.
WHERE PORTRAITURE BECOMES LEGACY
A portrait is more than a likeness.
It can preserve a memory, reveal a personality, tell a story, and capture a moment in someone’s life.
The Canadian Portraiture Legacy celebrates artists who use portraiture to preserve the human story and create artwork that can be remembered for generations.
A Face. A Story. A Moment. A Legacy.
WHY THE CANADIAN PORTRAITURE LEGACY?
Portraiture has always played an important role in preserving history and human experience.
The Canadian Portraiture Legacy was created to recognize this tradition while giving today’s artists an opportunity to have their work seen, celebrated, and remembered.
More than a competition — a celebration of Canadian portraiture.
OUR VISION FOR 2027
What began as a portrait initiative in Edmonton in 2025 evolved into The Canadian Portraiture Legacy in 2026.
In 2027, we are taking the next step.
Our vision is to build a respected national platform where emerging and established portrait artists can compete, connect, and receive meaningful recognition for their artistic achievement.
Artistic Excellence.
Creative Expression.
Community.
Recognition.
Legacy.
Founded in Edmonton. Growing across Canada.
PAINT THE PERSON. CAPTURE THE STORY. CREATE A LEGACY.
We welcome portraits created through traditional, contemporary, realistic, expressive, and other artistic approaches.
We are looking for work that demonstrates:
- Artistic excellence
- Technical skill
- Strong observation and interpretation
- Creativity and originality
- Emotional depth
- A meaningful connection between artist and subject
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
EMERGING ARTISTS
For artists who are developing their artistic practice and building their experience in portraiture.
An opportunity to gain recognition and become part of a national artistic community.
ESTABLISHED ARTISTS
For experienced artists with an established artistic practice and demonstrated experience in portraiture.
A platform to showcase artistic achievement and contribute to Canada’s portraiture community.
Artists from across Canada are welcome.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Be part of a growing Canadian celebration of portraiture.
ARTISTIC EXPOSURE
Selected artists may be featured through Canadian Portraiture Legacy and Urban Art Studio 101 channels.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Compete for Legacy Awards and special recognition.
ARTIST COMMUNITY
Connect with artists, mentors, judges, and fellow art lovers.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
2027 COMPETITION
THE CANADIAN PORTRAITURE LEGACY 2027
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Organizer: Urban Art Studio 101
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Emerging Artists
Established Artists
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications: Now Open
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Finalists Announced: To Be Announced
Emerging Artists Competition: To Be Announced
Established Artists Competition: To Be Announced
Awards & Gala: To Be Announced
Official dates will be announced and updated on this page.
WHAT YOU SUBMIT
Your application should include:
- Artist information
- Competition category
- Artwork title
- Medium
- Artwork dimensions
- Artwork submission link
- Short artist bio
- Artist statement
ARTWORK SUBMISSION LINK
Please provide a viewable link to your artwork using Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or your personal artist website.
Please make sure the link can be opened without requesting permission.
HOW TO APPLY
1. COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
Provide your artist information and select your competition category.
2. SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK
Provide a clear, viewable link to your portrait.
3. APPLICATION REVIEW
Eligible applications will be reviewed according to the official competition requirements.
4. FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Selected artists will receive information about the next stage of the competition.
5. COMPETE & CELEBRATE
Finalists participate in the official Canadian Portraiture Legacy 2027 program.
JUDGING
The Canadian Portraiture Legacy is committed to a fair and professional judging process.
Entries will be evaluated based on:
Portraiture & Character • Technical Skill • Composition • Colour & Value • Creativity • Artistic Expression • Overall Impact
The 2027 judging panel will be announced closer to the competition.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
GOLD LEGACY AWARD
SILVER LEGACY AWARD
BRONZE LEGACY AWARD
Additional special awards and jury recognition may also be presented.
2027 prize details will be announced with the official competition schedule.
FROM FOUNDATION TO LEGACY
A CANADIAN PORTRAITURE TRADITION IN THE MAKING
2025 — THE FOUNDATION
The journey began in Edmonton in 2025 with the Urban Art Studio 101 Portrait Awards – Founding Edition.
The event brought together portrait artists through live painting, professional judging, community engagement, and artist recognition.
2026 — THE CANADIAN PORTRAITURE LEGACY
Building on that foundation, the vision expanded in 2026 with the launch of The Canadian Portraiture Legacy.
The inaugural Legacy brought artists, judges, mentors, and art lovers together to celebrate portraiture through live painting, competition, mentorship, awards, and a special gala celebration.
2027 — THE NEXT CHAPTER
The Canadian Portraiture Legacy continues to grow — creating a platform where artists can be recognized, stories can be preserved, and Canadian portraiture can be celebrated for generations to come.
FROM EDMONTON TO A NATIONAL VISION.
FROM PORTRAITURE TO LEGACY.
2026 LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS
EMERGING ARTISTS
Gold Legacy Award
Emma Rach-Syslak
Silver Legacy Award
Hailey Bourelle
Bronze Legacy Award
Rexell Livelo
Certificates of Participation
Latteeshia Poruthukaran Davis
Morgan Amyot
ESTABLISHED ARTISTS
Gold Legacy Award
Merlyn Moynagh
A LEGACY WORTH PAINTING
Every generation leaves behind people, stories, and memories worth remembering.
Artists have the unique ability to preserve those stories through their work.
The Canadian Portraiture Legacy celebrates the artists who use portraiture to connect people, preserve stories, and create something that can endure beyond the moment.
YOUR PORTRAIT COULD BECOME PART OF THE LEGACY.
OFFICIAL 2027 ARTIST APPLICATION
Please complete the application below to be considered for The Canadian Portraiture Legacy 2027.
Please have your artwork information and artwork submission link ready before beginning your application.
WHAT YOU SUBMIT
- Artist information
- Competition category
- Artwork title and medium
- Artwork dimensions
- Artwork submission link
- Short artist bio
- Artist statement
PRESENTED BY URBAN ART STUDIO 101
Urban Art Studio 101 is an Edmonton-based art studio dedicated to inspiring creativity, developing artistic skills, and creating opportunities for artists and art lovers.
Through education, exhibitions, workshops, competitions, and community events, Urban Art Studio 101 is committed to building a stronger and more connected artistic community.
Urban Art Studio 101
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Phone: (780) 904-3828
Email: [email protected]
THE CANADIAN PORTRAITURE LEGACY 2027
Celebrating Excellence. Preserving Legacy.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN