The American Artists Professional League
Skylight Gallery, Salmagundi Club, NY
97th Grand National Exhibition
An open juried exhibition November 18 – December 5, 2025 |Skylight Gallery, Salmagundi Club, NY
Deadline is August 13th.
7 weeks left to enter.
Open to Members and Non-Members.
Deadline is August 13th. Open to Members and Non-Members. To enter, visit:
showsubmit.com/show/aapl-97th-grand-national-exhibition
showsubmit.com/show/aapl-97th-grand-national-exhibition
Open Calls
or to submit.
Deadline for entry: August 13, 2025
Blind jurying will be employed, with the top ranking Finalists invited to exhibit at the Salmagundi Club. We are pleased to continue the choice of 'on-line only' or 'in-gallery' for all entries. Highly ranked entries that expressly choose to be 'on-line only' will be exhibited virtually as Finalists. Semi-Finalists will be showcased on the AAPL website.
AAPL Signature Members Joel Edwards & Don Taylor
Frederick Brosen, one of America’s finest watercolor artists, infuses his artworks with architectural romance, and creates urban landscapes that are imbued with a sense of history and limitless personal experiences. With masterful technique, he starts each work with a highly detailed sketch, slowly building color with light washes before adding layer upon layer of rich tone. The results are crystalline and sophisticated images that reflect each location through the intimacy of countless details.
As an instructor, Frederick is adept at sharing his mastery of traditional drafting and watercolor techniques with students of all levels while helping them achieve their personal goals and vision.
The American Artists Professional League (AAPL) is pleased to announce the 97th Grand National Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club of New York. The in-person Exhibition and virtual show honors the finest realist painting, drawing and sculpture.
Blind jurying will be employed, with the top ranking Finalists invited to exhibit at the Salmagundi Club. We are pleased to continue the choice of 'on-line only' or 'in-gallery' for all entries. Highly ranked entries that expressly choose to be 'on-line only' will be exhibited virtually as Finalists. Semi-Finalists will be showcased on the AAPL website.
Guest Jurors of Selection
Kara Ross, Art Renewal Center Co-Founder & coo
AAPL Signature Members Joel Edwards & Don Taylor
Juror of Awards
Frederick Brosen, Watercolor Artist & Instructor
Terms and Conditions
- Open to artists who are at least 18 years old and who live or work in the United States and territories.
- Only traditional and contemporary realist works will be considered.
- Artwork may not have been previously exhibited online or in-person with the American Artists Professional League.
- Work must have been completed in the last five years; not before January 1, 2020.
- Acceptable media include, but are not limited to: oil, acrylic, water media, scratchboard, pastel, drawings, graphics (non-mechanical fine art prints; charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, etc.), and sculpture. Choose the dominant media when entering mixed media, and list all media used in the description.
- Fine art prints will be considered, including woodblocks, linocuts, etchings, monotypes, and engravings. Questions about prints: [email protected]
- Giclées, photographs, digital prints, painting on photos, mechanical prints, AI & digitally derived works are expressly forbidden. Functional sculpted works and fine crafts are barred from entry.
- Your entry confirms that the work entered is original, that your own references were used, and copyrighted or public domain images by others have not been incorporated into your work. Licensed images by others and master copies are not allowed. AAPL reserves the right to eliminate submitted artwork if the jurors feel the method of creation is in question. In cases where a work is under consideration for disqualification, efforts will be made to engage in a discussion with the artist regarding the techniques employed before any disqualifications are made. Progress pictures may be requested.
- Framed work may not exceed 50 inches wide. Work that is too large to hang in the gallery will be rejected by the Exhibition Director at their discretion. To discuss the possibility of an exception email [email protected] before applying.
- Per Salmagundi guidelines, sculptures may not exceed 36 inches in height, and no more than 40 lbs. Restrictions do not apply to ‘Online Only’ entries.
- Sale prices for art should be in U.S. currency. Work does not need to be for sale (NFS).
- By entering, you agree that AAPL may reproduce your work for promotional purposes. Selected work will be showcased on AAPLinc.org, and may appear in print ads, in the AAPL newsletter, and on AAPL social media. The artist retains the copyright.
- All art (even if sold) must remain in the gallery for the whole duration of the exhibition. Please do not commit your selected pieces to another gallery or institution during or near our exhibition dates. Except in extenuating circumstances, work withdrawn from the show after acceptance will disqualify the artist from exhibiting at the Grand National for a period of two years.
Entry Fees
- AAPL members: $50.00 for first entry, $25.00 for each additional entry.
- Non-members: $70.00 for first entry, $40.00 for each additional entry.
- There is no limit to the number of entries. Only one may be accepted.
- No refunds will be made. Mistaken entries will be donated to the American Artists Fund, the charitable arm of AAPL. Please read the prospectus carefully.
Membership
- Membership is not required. Open to all AAPL members and non-members.
- AAPL membership in good standing is required for the discounted entry fee. Please direct questions about membership to [email protected]
- New members are always welcome. Apply for membership before entering this show to qualify for the discount. AAPLinc.org/levels
Entry Process and Specifications
- All entries are to be submitted through ShowSubmit from Friday, May 30, 2025–Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Note: artwork entered by July 25 may be eligible for promotion. - AAPL provides help with any application issues by contacting Alex Tibar at [email protected].
- Submit digital files in the universal jpeg format - 1500 pixels on the shortest dimension - 300 pixels per inch, maximum 30 mb. ShowSubmit will automatically resize large files.
- No frame, mat, or background may be visible. The image must be displayed right side up. For instruction on taking the best image possible of your work, view AAPL’s guide: How to Photograph Artwork
- Sculptors may include 2 images per artwork.
- Applicants may choose “Online Only” or “In-Gallery”. Finalists will be invited to show at the Salmagundi Club, unless they have chosen Online Only. In that case, the Finalists' work will be showcased on the AAPL website, along with the Finalists exhibiting in the gallery. Semi-Finalists will be showcased on the AAPL website.
- After submitting an image(s) and making payment, you can change your submission(s) by returning to the ShowSubmit website and following directions. Or contact ShowSubmit or AAPL for help.
- No submissions will be accepted after midnight EST on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Jury Process
- The 97th Grand National Exhibition is curated by the AAPL Board of Directors, AAPL Signature Members Joel Edwards and Don Taylor, and the ARC’s Kara Ross.
- Each entry is reviewed and scored on the quality and individual mastery of each medium as well as the composition and design of the work.
- Jurors score the image and do not see any information about the artist. Nor do they see when “Online Only” has been chosen.
- Images not displayed right side up or without proper cropping will not be juried. Jurors make selections based on the digital image(s). Make certain the image(s) submitted is an accurate representation of the work. Work misrepresented by the submitted image(s) will not be shown.
- AI detection software will be employed for all entries.
About the Jurors of Selection
AAPL Board, aaplinc.org/board
Joel R. Edwards, joelredwards.com
Joel R. Edwards' graphite drawings have been exhibited at several AAPL shows, winning awards at Grand National Exhibitions. A master of technique and atmosphere, Joel's philosophy is best described in his own words:
"From the most magnificent subject to the most humble, I desire my work to impart a sense of something beyond the physical reality we experience everyday. I find the most satisfaction in chasing that elusive trait in landscapes or architecture; when the light pierces the eye, is filtered through the soul, and streams out through the brush or pencil, in hopes that perhaps it may serve as a reminder of the grace and wonderment that is present all around us."
Don Taylor, dontaylorart.zenfolio.com
Award winning Florida watercolorist, Don Taylor, journals his travels en plein air, conducts demos and holds private classes. Don's work has been published many times, gracing magazine covers and recently published a book of his work, "Plein Air Journaling in Watercolor and Pen and Ink". Don has been a member of AAPL for a dozen years, earning Signature membership, and is a Signature member of several other art societies.
Kara Lysandra Ross, artrenewal.org/AboutUs/Staff
Kara Lysandra Ross is the Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer for the world renowned Art Renewal Center (ARC). She holds a BA in Art History from Drew University. As an art educator she has been a contributing writer for Collections Magazine, and Fine Art Connoisseur, and has been published frequently in other magazines and newspapers. She was the co-editor of the William Bouguereau Catalogue Raisonné and author of chapter 28 in the published second edition. In her role at the ARC she spearheaded the introduction of the live exhibition associated to the ARC Salon Competition which has traveled to prestigious venues such as Sotheby’s NY, Sotheby’s LA, The European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) and the Salmagundi Club, serving as chief organizer and curator. She is an ARC Salon Juror, and has served as juror in other competitions for organizations such as the 2nd Velázquez Painting & Sculpture competition, China, the South African Portrait Society, International Guild of Realism, IX Arts, and the Ani Academy. She is also an expert on 19th century Academic French and English painting, co-authoring William Bouguereau: The Essential Works and is currently researching and writing the catalogue raisonné on Edmund Blair Leighton, for which she is accepted as the world authority, authenticating works by this artist for Sotheby's, Christie's, and Bonham's among others.
Joel R. Edwards, joelredwards.com
Joel R. Edwards' graphite drawings have been exhibited at several AAPL shows, winning awards at Grand National Exhibitions. A master of technique and atmosphere, Joel's philosophy is best described in his own words:
"From the most magnificent subject to the most humble, I desire my work to impart a sense of something beyond the physical reality we experience everyday. I find the most satisfaction in chasing that elusive trait in landscapes or architecture; when the light pierces the eye, is filtered through the soul, and streams out through the brush or pencil, in hopes that perhaps it may serve as a reminder of the grace and wonderment that is present all around us."
Don Taylor, dontaylorart.zenfolio.com
Award winning Florida watercolorist, Don Taylor, journals his travels en plein air, conducts demos and holds private classes. Don's work has been published many times, gracing magazine covers and recently published a book of his work, "Plein Air Journaling in Watercolor and Pen and Ink". Don has been a member of AAPL for a dozen years, earning Signature membership, and is a Signature member of several other art societies.
Kara Lysandra Ross, artrenewal.org/AboutUs/Staff
Kara Lysandra Ross is the Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer for the world renowned Art Renewal Center (ARC). She holds a BA in Art History from Drew University. As an art educator she has been a contributing writer for Collections Magazine, and Fine Art Connoisseur, and has been published frequently in other magazines and newspapers. She was the co-editor of the William Bouguereau Catalogue Raisonné and author of chapter 28 in the published second edition. In her role at the ARC she spearheaded the introduction of the live exhibition associated to the ARC Salon Competition which has traveled to prestigious venues such as Sotheby’s NY, Sotheby’s LA, The European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) and the Salmagundi Club, serving as chief organizer and curator. She is an ARC Salon Juror, and has served as juror in other competitions for organizations such as the 2nd Velázquez Painting & Sculpture competition, China, the South African Portrait Society, International Guild of Realism, IX Arts, and the Ani Academy. She is also an expert on 19th century Academic French and English painting, co-authoring William Bouguereau: The Essential Works and is currently researching and writing the catalogue raisonné on Edmund Blair Leighton, for which she is accepted as the world authority, authenticating works by this artist for Sotheby's, Christie's, and Bonham's among others.
Notification of Accepted Works
- Notification of accepted works via email: no later than Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
- Names of ‘Accepted Artists’ to be listed on the AAPL website: AAPLinc.org
- Accepted work will be showcased on AAPLinc.org in addition to the gallery show. Works for sale will also be available in the AAPL Artwork Store during the exhibition.
Delivery of Artwork
- Hand delivery and shipping instructions will be provided with the acceptance letter. According to Salmagundi policy, shipped artwork must go through a shipping agent, which incurs a fee. The fee schedules for two shipping agents will be included with the acceptance letter.
- Artists who choose to ship artwork are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the shipping agent. Shipped work must include a prepaid return shipping label.
- Work should be packed in an AirFloat StrongBox, or a similar box. Please do not use packing peanuts. Boxes packed with styrofoam or peanuts will not be unpacked.
AAPL has arranged for a discount with AirFloat; code AAPL2023. - All 2D artwork must be professionally presented, framed or gallery wrapped canvas with finished edges, wired, and ready to hang. Pedestals will be available for sculpture.
- Hand delivered work: November 16th, 9-11am.
About the Juror of Awards
Frederick Brosen, Watercolor Artist & Instructor
Frederick Brosen, one of America’s finest watercolor artists, infuses his artworks with architectural romance, and creates urban landscapes that are imbued with a sense of history and limitless personal experiences. With masterful technique, he starts each work with a highly detailed sketch, slowly building color with light washes before adding layer upon layer of rich tone. The results are crystalline and sophisticated images that reflect each location through the intimacy of countless details.
As an instructor, Frederick is adept at sharing his mastery of traditional drafting and watercolor techniques with students of all levels while helping them achieve their personal goals and vision.
Awards
- Cash awards exceeding $23,000 and two dozen merchandise awards provided by our sponsors. Reference the 96th Grand National Exhibition for awards: aaplinc.org/96-gne
- Awards are judged in-person. Traditionally, works that are not hanging in the gallery are not eligible for cash awards. Three Award of Merit certificates and merchandise awards (TBD) will be chosen from the online exhibitors.
Sales
Work may be for sale; NFS is allowed.
- If artwork is for sale it will be available for purchase on our website and in the gallery for the duration of the show.
- Terms: AAPL receives 30% commission of the sale price, the artist will receive 70%. If the artwork sells after it is accepted, AAPL will receive the stated commission. AAPL promotes accepted work before the opening date. If artwork is introduced to a collector at the exhibition and sells within four months of the show’s conclusion, AAPL would appreciate a 30% donation.
- Shipping of sold work will occur after the show at the buyer’s expense. The artist’s empty box will be returned.
Artist Submission Agreement
The Salmagundi Club and AAPL assume no responsibility for loss or damage to any artwork for any reason. Your online entry will constitute that you agree and acknowledge the terms and conditions outlined in this Prospectus.
Questions
American Artists Professional League
97th Grand National Exhibition
Salmagundi Club of New York
47 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10003
Additional Notification Information
Notifications will be emailed and posted in your ShowSubmit account by the end of the day on September 30, 2025.
You may view the notification in your ShowSubmit account by logging in and clicking tapping the Notifications at the top right of the screen, or in your Entry History.
If you do not receive your email, login and view the notification in your account. We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of notifications.
Note: Entries made prior to 2023 may not display the View Notification link.
Image and Filename Specifications
- File Format: Submit original, high-quality JPEG image files. Other formats (e.g., PNG, TIFF) are not accepted.
- Crop Your Image: Ensure only the artwork itself is visible in the image. Do not show any visible matting, frames, or background distractions.
- Orientation: Make sure your image is oriented correctly (right side up) so that the artwork appears in its intended viewing direction.
- Image Size: You do not need to resize your image files before uploading. The system will automatically resize them. Smaller images cannot be enlarged to meet the requirements, so ensure your images are high resolution before uploading.
- File Names: You do not need to rename your files before uploading them. The system will handle any file naming requirements.
- File Size: There is a 30mb maximum file size limit. Larger image files will take longer to upload and process.
Additional Entry Information
- You will pay for your entry by credit or debit card using our secure checkout system.
- After your entry is submitted and paid for, you may log back in to review your entry, edit artist and image information, and add or substitute images up until the entry deadline (August 13, 2025.)
- Entry fees are not refundable and must be submitted and paid by the entry deadline.
- Entries cannot be accepted or changed after the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Support
For questions about AAPL or this Prospectus, please contact Alex Tibar ([email protected]).
For technical support or entry questions, first check our Help Center or Entry Guide. If you still need help, email ShowSubmit Support ([email protected]). We’ll respond between 9am and 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.