Alex J. Ettl Grant

The Alex J. Ettl Grant is an annual $7,500 prize sponsored by the National Sculpture Society, one of the oldest and most prestigious sculpture organizations in the United States. The National Sculpture Society, founded in 1893, has been dedicated to promoting excellence in sculpture for over a century, supporting both emerging and established artists through various programs, exhibitions, and awards. The organization maintains its headquarters at 6 East 39th Street in New York City and operates a gallery space that showcases contemporary sculptural work. The primary purpose of the Alex J. Ettl Grant is to recognize and support figurative or realist sculptors who have demonstrated both a serious commitment to their sculptural practice and outstanding ability in their body of work. This grant specifically targets artists who have developed a mature artistic voice and created a substantial portfolio of completed works. The award emphasizes quality and artistic development over emerging talent, requiring that submitted works represent a mature body of work rather than pieces created in workshop or instructional settings. The grant provides $7,500 in funding that can be used to support the artist's continued sculptural practice, whether for materials, studio expenses, or other artistic pursuits. Works submitted may be created in any sculptural medium, providing flexibility for artists working in traditional materials like bronze, stone, or clay, as well as those exploring contemporary materials and techniques. The scope of acceptable work is broad within the figurative and realist categories, allowing for diverse artistic approaches and styles. Eligibility for the Alex J. Ettl Grant is restricted to sculptors who are not elected members of the National Sculpture Society, ensuring the award supports artists from outside the organization's immediate membership. All applicants must be either citizens of the United States or legal residents with a valid social security number. The National Sculpture Society welcomes applications from sculptors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, socioeconomic status, education, or disability, demonstrating the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts. The application process requires submission of 11 to 15 works of sculpture through digital images, with a maximum of 30 total images allowed. For sculptures in the round, applicants should submit at least two views of each piece to provide adequate documentation. All images must be submitted in JPEG format, and applicants must provide the title, medium, and dimensions for each work. Additionally, a brief curriculum vitae summarizing the applicant's career path must be submitted through the applicant's profile in Entry-Thingy, the online submission platform. There is no cost to submit an application. The evaluation process involves a jury of three prominent sculptors who will review all submissions and select the grant recipient based on artistic merit and the quality of the submitted body of work. The selection emphasizes technical skill, artistic vision, and the overall strength of the portfolio presented. The grant recipient will be announced and the award will be presented in March 2026, providing recognition and financial support for continued artistic development. The application deadline is October 6, 2025, and all entries must be submitted online through Entry-Thingy, the National Sculpture Society's digital submission platform. For questions or additional information, applicants can contact the National Sculpture Society at their New York headquarters at 212-764-5645 or visit their gallery during business hours, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. The organization also maintains an active mailing list for sculpture news and updates about future opportunities.

Submit at least two views for sculptures in the round, ensure works represent mature body of work rather than instructional pieces, use JPEG format for all images