Nude Figure Drawing Competition
University at Buffalo Department of Art
Sponsored by the AANR – Education Foundation (a partner of the American Association for Nude Recreation)
Art transcends political censorship and theocratic cultural attempts to suppress individuals' freedom of thought and expression.
The Education Foundation of the American Association for Nude Recreation is excited to sponsor a Nude Figure Drawing Competition. This partnership with the University at Buffalo Department of Art furthers the Foundation's mission to promote a fair and accepting appreciation of the human person and body. It emphasizes that the naturalness of nudity enhances physical health and mental well-being while encouraging positive body images through the non-sexual practice of social naturism. Promoting the simultaneous creation of figure drawings by students and patrons of Open Figure Drawing aligns with our shared missions.
Marina Rosa, Grassy Medows, Oil Pastel, Open Figure Drawing, Fall 2025
COMPETITION POSTPONED
University at Buffalo Department of Art Spring 2026
Sponsored by the AANR – Education Foundation
May 14-28, 2026
Department of Art Lower Gallery, Center for the Arts Room B45
More details coming soon. With questions, contact jsherven@buffalo.edu.
Joseph Fine, Drawing, Conte on Paper, Open Figure Drawing, Fall 2019
ELIGIBILITY
- Students enrolled in a Spring 2025 Drawing Course with a Figure Drawing component.
- Public Open Figure Drawing patrons who have attended two or more sessions in Spring 2025.
SIZE AND MEDIUM LIMITATIONS
- Maximum Size: 18" x 24” on Acid-Free Paper of Any Type.
- Accepted mediums include Graphite, Charcoal: black, white, compressed, and vine, and Conte Crayons: Black, White, Sanguine, Bistre, and Silverpoint.
- Drawings using colored pastels, ink, ink wash, or colored pencils will not be accepted.
SUBMISSION
- One entry per person. Received by 9:00 pm, April 30, 2025, by Course Instructor or Open Figure Drawing Proctor.
- Do not sign on the front of the drawing. Creators must remain anonymous to the juror to avoid bias.
- Print the creator’s first and last name, medium, and drawing date lightly in pencil on the back, upper right-hand corner.
- Works signed on the front will be displayed but not considered for prizes.
- Submission details to be entered in THIS FORM when artwork is dropped off to the instructor.
Location: PROJECT SPACE (Center for the Arts, Room 155)
On View: MAY 8TH – MAY 21
RECEPTION AND AWARDS: MAY 15TH, 5-7PM (Awards at 6:30 PM)
The Nude Figure Drawing Competition exhibition will open in the Project Space on Thursday, May 9th, at 5:00 p.m. and close on Wednesday, May 21st. Artwork may be picked up at the project space on May 22nd and 23rd between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
PURCHASE AWARDS (Judging and Announcement for Award Winners: Monday, May 6th)
- Best Student Figure Drawing $ 125.00
- Honorable Mention Student Figure Drawing $ 100.00
- Best Public Open Figure Drawing $ 125.00
- Honorable Mention Public Open Figure Drawing $ 100.00
Winning drawings will become the property of the AANR Education Foundation for inclusion in the AANR-EF Annual Art Raffle, with all funds generated used to support student scholarships, educational programming, and various grants. The winning entries will be used in Educational Foundation promotional materials and media. Additionally, the award winners, who are 18 years or older, will receive a one-year Direct Individual Membership to the American Association for Nude Recreation.
Juror: Will receive an honorarium and remain anonymous until the awards are decided.