Category: Juried Show

First Place at Salmagundi: Three Brothers

I joined the Salmagundi Club in December. Two months later, I entered my first exhibition there—Connections.

The jury awarded First Place to my painting, Three Brothers.

The Painting

In Three Brothers, I explore urban life and how people relate within shared spaces. I focus on quiet tension, distance, and connection in everyday moments.

Why It Matters

The Salmagundi Club has a long tradition of supporting representational art. This award, especially so early in my membership, confirms that this direction in my work resonates.

See the Work

View Three Brothers:
👉 https://franciscosilvaart.com/urban-life-info/urban7-info.php

On View at Trenton Makes Jazz

When: February 13–March 22, 2026
Where: Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie Mansion
Opening Reception: Friday, February 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I’m pleased to share that my painting, Brass in Full Voice, is currently on view at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion as part of the Trenton Makes Jazz exhibition.

The piece reflects my ongoing interest in the figure and scenes from everyday life, and in this case, how rhythm and movement can be translated visually. Jazz has a physicality to it — an improvisational energy — and I approached this work with that same sense of immediacy and responsiveness.

Trenton Makes Jazz is a juried exhibition featuring artists responding to the history and spirit of jazz across a range of media. The show runs through March 22, 2026, at Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park, Trenton, NJ.

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll have a chance to see the exhibition in person.

Accepted to Salmagundi Club’s “Connections” Exhibition

I am proud to announce that my painting, “Three Brothers” (18″x24″, Acrylic on Canvas), has been accepted into the Connections Exhibition at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City. 

This piece is particularly meaningful as I begin the new year as a newly inducted Artist Member of the club. “Three Brothers” captures a quiet, candid moment—a typical scene at home after dinner—exploring themes of brotherhood and the visual language of unity that shapes our daily lives. 

The exhibition will be on display at the club’s iconic brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue from February 3–27, 2026.

Exhibition Details:
When: February 3–27, 2026
Where: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

If you are in the city, I invite you to stop by the galleries to see the show. Admission is free and open to the public during gallery hours.

My painting was juried into the Ellarslie Open 42 held at the Ellarslie Mansion, Trenton, NJ

When: June 21 – September 7, 2025
Where: Ellarslie Mansion, Trenton, NJ

I was honored to have my painting “Three Brothers” juried into Ellarslie Open 42, a prominent annual exhibition held at the Trenton City Museum in the historic Ellarslie Mansion. The setting itself is a gem — a beautifully preserved 19th-century Italianate villa nestled in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park, adding a layer of elegance and history to the show.

The opening reception was exceptionally well attended — in fact, it was crowded, with a lively mix of artists, collectors, and supporters of the arts. I was proud to have my work exhibited in a gallery room filled with very strong and compelling paintings, making the inclusion feel especially meaningful.

Being part of this longstanding regional exhibition, now in its 42nd year, was a rewarding experience that connected me with a vibrant creative community and an appreciative audience.

Honorable mention at the Harford Plein Air Quick Draw part of the Harford Plein Air Festival

When: July – September, 2024
Reception: September, 15, 2024,
Bel Air Armory, Bel Air, MD
Where: throughout Harford County, MD

In September 2024, I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention at the Harford Plein Air Quick Draw competition, held as part of the larger Harford Plein Air Festival in Harford County, Maryland. I was also juried into the full plein air competition, which brought together a talented group of artists to paint on location throughout the county.

From July through the start of the exhibition, I spent time exploring and painting the varied landscapes of Harford County — from historic towns and rolling farmland to river views and quiet neighborhoods. The Quick Draw event, held during the festival’s closing weekend, was fast-paced and exciting, with artists creating a finished work in just a few hours for immediate judging and exhibition.

Winning an award in such a strong field of artists was incredibly rewarding, and the entire experience was made even more memorable by the welcoming community and scenic surroundings.

2nd place at the 3rd Annual ArtVenture Juried Show

When: July 26-August 17, 2024
Reception: July 26, 6-9pm
Where: 95 Main Street, Flemington, NJ (formerly Red Vanilla)

The 3rd Annual Juried Show featured a diverse selection of work from artists across the region. This year’s juror, Jeff Charlesworth—a respected painter known for his richly atmospheric landscapes and longstanding presence in the Bucks County art scene—curated a compelling exhibition that balanced technical strength with individual voice.

The opening reception was well attended, drawing collectors, art enthusiasts, and members of the local arts community. The energy in the gallery was lively, with many guests engaging with the work and several pieces selling on opening night.

I was honored to receive 2nd Place in this year’s exhibition for my painting “Too Much Energy on an Oppressively Hot Day”, oil on canvas, 36″ x 24″. Now in its third year, the show continues to grow in reputation, offering both emerging and established artists a valuable opportunity to exhibit in a professionally juried setting.

Plein air painting as a juried artist at “Artists on Location”, Knoxville, TN

When: April 15-20, 2024
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee

In April 2024, I was honored to be juried into Artists on Location, a prestigious plein air painting event held in Knoxville, Tennessee. This annual event brings together selected artists from across the country to paint on location throughout the Knoxville area, capturing the character and beauty of East Tennessee’s landscapes, neighborhoods, and landmarks.

The experience was both energizing and rewarding. The organizers were extremely friendly and helpful, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the week. I was also fortunate to stay with a wonderful host family who are deeply supportive of the arts and generously welcomed me into their home.

Being part of this event allowed me to connect with fellow painters, immerse myself in a new environment, and exhibit work created on-site in a culminating public show and sale. I’m proud to have been included among such a talented group of artists.

I won 1st place at the 2nd Annual ArtVenture Juried Show

I was lucky enough to win 1st place at the 2nd Annual ArtVenture Juried Show for my acrylic painting titled “Infinite Overview”

When: July 22-August 20, 2023
Reception: July 22, 6-9pm
Where: 95 Main Street, Flemington, NJ (formerly Red Vanilla)

Roberto Osti, professor of anatomy, drawing and plein air, was the juror for this event which included over 100 works of art. The reception was very well attended by artists and collectors. The event went beyond the typical wine and cheese to include catered food along with a Celloist that enhanced the ambience. I was completely shocked to get the first place award as only one of my pieces had been accepted into the exhibition. Additionally, I sold a portfolio piece to a very friendly collector who was an art teacher.