NOW ANNOUNCING – EMERGING ARTISTS WEEK 2026

August 3–4, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Urban Art Studio 101, Edmonton

Free Public Admission – Everyone Welcome

Why Attend Emerging Artists Week?

✔ Watch artists paint live.
✔ Meet talented Canadian portrait artists.
✔ Experience the creative process firsthand.
✔ Support emerging artists.
✔ Free public event.

Everyone Is Welcome

Join us and witness the next generation of Canadian portrait artists creating a lasting legacy through art.

Admission is free, and everyone is invited.

Presented By

Urban Art Studio 101

Edmonton’s House of Creativity

THE CANADIAN PORTRAITURE LEGACY 2026

Celebrating Excellence. Preserving Legacy.

Painting the Faces That Shape Our Nation.

A national celebration of portraiture, artistic excellence, and the next generation of Canadian artists.

“Meet the Artists”

Judging Criteria

All entries submitted to The Canadian Portraiture Legacy 2026 will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists and art educators. Each artwork will be assessed using the following criteria:

1. Likeness & Character (25%)

The portrait should capture the subject’s likeness while conveying personality, expression, and presence.

2. Technical Excellence (20%)

Judges will evaluate drawing accuracy, anatomy, proportion, brushwork, handling of the chosen medium, and overall craftsmanship.

3. Composition & Design (15%)

Effective arrangement of visual elements, balance, focal point, and overall design of the artwork.

4. Colour, Value & Light (15%)

Successful use of colour harmony, tonal values, lighting, and atmosphere to create depth and realism.

5. Creativity & Artistic Interpretation (10%)

Originality, personal artistic vision, and the ability to communicate meaning while respecting the essence of portraiture.

6. Overall Visual Impact (10%)

The immediate emotional and aesthetic impact of the portrait and its ability to engage the viewer.

7. Presentation & Professionalism (5%)

Quality of finish, attention to detail, and overall presentation of the artwork.

Live Portrait Competition (Final Round)

Artists selected as finalists will also be evaluated during the live portrait painting session. Judges will consider:

• Observation and accuracy
• Technical execution
• Composition and planning
• Colour and value relationships
• Artistic confidence and problem-solving during the painting process

Judging Process

• All entries are reviewed by an independent jury.
• Each judge scores entries individually using the official judging criteria.
• Scores are combined to determine finalists and award recipients.
• The judges’ decisions are final.

Competition Details

The competition will be structured in two distinct categories to provide a fair platform for all artists:

• Emerging Artists: For artists who are in the early stages of their professional careers.
• Established Artists: For artists with significant experience and recognition in the art world.

Timeline

• Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted online by May 31, 2026.
• Finalist Notification: Finalists will be notified by June 15, 2026.
• Artwork Delivery: Finalists must deliver their physical artwork to Urban Art Studio 101 by July 15, 2026.
• Live Painting Sessions:
• Emerging Artists Week: August 1-7, 2026
• Established Artists Week: August 15-21, 2026
• Gala & Awards Ceremony: The competition will culminate in an exclusive gala and awards ceremony where winners will be announced and celebrated.

Eligibility & Rules

• Residency: The competition is open to all Canadian residents aged 18 and older.
• Medium: Accepted media include oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or mixed media.
• Originality: All submitted artwork must be original and created solely by the artist.
• Live Painting: Finalists will be required to participate in a live painting session at the Urban Art Studio 101 venue in downtown Edmonton. Artists will have 3 hours to paint a live model provided by the studio.

Awards & Recognition

Winners in each category will receive a prize package designed to advance their careers, including:

• A prestigious plaque and certificate of achievement.
• A comprehensive art supply package.

The judges’ decision is final. While artists retain all copyrights to their work, participation in the competition grants Urban Art Studio 101 the right to use images of the artwork for promotional and archival purposes.

We are honored to welcome you to the first annual Canadian Portraiture Legacy. We look forward to seeing your incredible talent and celebrating the art of portraiture with you.