VCUarts and Capital Square — a local developer of housing communities — have partnered to present the Capital Prize for Painting + Printmaking alumni.
The Capital Prize features two rounds of juried exhibitions where selected alumni can showcase their work in the new Chasen residential building in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood. The exhibitions will celebrate the creative legacy of the building as the historic home of N. Chasen & Son paint company.
The first round of submissions closed in October, and an exhibition featuring the work of prize finalists will run from Feb. 5 to Aug. 14, 2026. The juror, Leila Grothe, associate curator of contemporary art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, in consultation with VCUarts and Capital Square, will determine the number of artists and artworks included in the exhibition.
This unique opportunity places alumni work in a dynamic residential setting in one of Richmond’s most active creative neighborhoods while contributing to a vibrant arts community. Jury prizes of $500 to $3,000 will be given to the top three submissions, and all selected artists will benefit from professional exposure in an unconventional gallery space where they can connect with new audiences and potential patrons.