Amy Werntz, a painter based in Dallas, Texas, has been declared the winner of the prestigious 2025 Bennett Prize. Her artistic vision aims to highlight the significance of ordinary moments in everyday life and emphasize the value of the older generation, often overlooked in society’s obsession with youth.
The Bennett Prize, the largest award dedicated exclusively to women figurative realist painters, has granted Werntz $50,000 to produce new artwork for a solo exhibition that will tour the United States.
Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt, a juror and co-founder of The Bennett Prize, commended Werntz’s work for its profound respect for the elderly. She noted, “Not only were the paintings exquisitely executed, but they also honor a group of individuals who are frequently overlooked.” Co-founder Steven Alan Bennett also praised Werntz’s exceptional skill and the compassionate portrayal of her subjects.
The announcement of Werntz’s win took place on May 15 during the opening of Rising Voices 4: The Bennett Prize at the Muskegon Museum of Art. The exhibition features works by this year’s finalists and will be on display until August 24. Additionally, the museum is hosting a solo exhibition titled The Cost of Life by Deng Shiqing, the previous award cycle winner.
Werntz, who earned her BFA in Interior Design in 2002, has showcased her art across the US and received recognition in various competitions, including the Portrait Society of Americas International Portrait Competition, The Bennett Prize 2, and the 15th International ARC Salon. She is represented by Valley House Gallery in Dallas, Texas.
Another noteworthy announcement was the unveiling of “The Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt Prize,” awarded to Nicole M. Santiago from Williamsburg, Virginia, for her distinctive interpretations of everyday life.
Among the eight other finalists were Olivia Chigas from New York, NY, Nimah Gobir from Oakland, CA, Ambrin Ling from Salem, OR, Jane Philips from Brooklyn, NY, Audrey Rodriguez from Brooklyn, NY, Abbey Rosko from New Tripoli, PA, Helena Wurzel from Cambridge, MA, and Rei Xiao from Brooklyn, NY.
For the first time in the history of the prize, the four-person jury consisted entirely of women: Gloria Groom, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago; artists Margaret Bowland and Angela Fraleigh; and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt.
To delve deeper into this subject, visit thebennettprize.org.
