The competition offers the selected artists the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure by presenting their work in an exhibition in the world-renowned Chelsea art community. This year’s competition will be juried by Megan Fontanella, Assistant Curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

On March 26th 2010 the names of the selected artists will be announced. These artists will be eligible to receive awards valuing a total of $38,000, which include a range of opportunities valuable to both emerging and established artists. They consist of cash prizes, internet promotion on the website www.Art-Mine.com and a one-page review in the contemporary art magazine ARTisSpectrum. Additionally, the juror, Megan Fontanella, will select the work of 15-20 artists for participation in a group exhibition, to be held at Agora Gallery from August 17th until September 10th 2010. 

“My experience taking part in the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition was extremely positive and rewarding. I found everyone working at the Agora Gallery to be friendly and professional. They showed enthusiasm for all of the artwork, which filled me with a sense of confidence that I was in good hands and that they had the artists' best interests in mind. The show was outstanding and I was impressed with the breadth of the styles and mediums represented.” (James Keul, USA, one of the selected artists of last year's group exhibition)

The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition represents not just artists, but the countries and communities they hail from, each piece reflecting a little of humanity's many faceted soul. Out of respect for this and in an effort to grant joy to children in need, 25% of Agora Gallery's proceeds of sales resulting from the competition exhibition will be donated to Art Start, an award-winning, nationally recognized program. Art Start works with children and teens facing the daily uncertainties and instabilities of living in homeless shelters, using the arts to provide them with opportunities for success. Last year’s competition exhibition also featured a piece selected by Agora Gallery’s director; Angela Di Bello, which was the work of Jamai, a promising young artist whose talent was nurtured by New York’s Art Start.

Agora's Director, Angela Di Bello, offers the following advice to artists: "Stay in the Game by entering art competitions! The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition is a wonderful way to keep your artwork in front of important museum curators and art experts. Anyone who simply enters the competition is a winner.” 

The competition deadline is March 14th 2010. Only online submissions will be accepted. For further details go to: 

www.agora-gallery.com/competition/art_contest_main.aspx