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What happens when artists are given the freedom to create, unburdened by immediate commercial pressures? The Seattle Prize is a pioneering initiative by the Conru Art Foundation designed to answer this question.
We are embarking on a significant experiment: to revive and reimagine the historic tradition of comprehensive artistic patronage for the 21st century.
Our name draws inspiration from the Prix de Rome, the prestigious fellowship established by Louis XIV in 1663 that sent France's most promising painters, sculptors, and architects to study at the Académie de France in Rome. For over three centuries, the Prix de Rome gave artists something invaluable: years of dedicated time, a studio, a stipend, and a community of peers — freeing them to develop ambitious work without commercial pressure. Many of history's greatest artists emerged from this tradition. The Seattle Prize carries that spirit forward, adapted for today's figurative painters.
For too long, many exceptionally talented artists have faced a difficult choice: pursue their deepest artistic visions or focus on work that pays the bills. "Slow art" requires profound thought, extensive development, and masterful execution, yet it often struggles for support in a fast-paced, commercially driven art world. The Seattle Prize challenges this status quo.
We believe that great art, art that speaks to the core of our shared humanity, requires more than just occasional grants. It needs sustained, holistic support. This is why we provide our selected fellows not only with generous stipends but also with dedicated studio space, materials, mentorship, and a collaborative environment.
This is patronage reimagined. It's a commitment to nurturing artists so they can, in turn, nurture society with creations that inspire, connect, and offer profound meaning.
All works created become part of a permanent collection owned by the public via the Conru Art Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to commissioning art for public benefit. We believe traditional, narrative art has a unique power to uplift and heal. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and abstraction, figurative work that celebrates human dignity and beauty provides genuine comfort and inspiration. That's why we're building this collection for everyone.
Works are showcased at the Art Love Salon and throughout our Occidental Fine Arts campus, ensuring your art remains permanently accessible to the public rather than disappearing into private collections.
We believe artists need more than talent—they need an ecosystem of support including dedicated time, resources, mentorship, and community.
Located in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square (311½ Occidental Ave S), our purpose-built occidental features optimal lighting, individual studios, and communal areas for both focused work and collaboration. Explore the studios →
Creative direction for the program comes from the Foundation's founder, Andrew Conru. Andrew holds a PhD in design from Stanford, was an early Internet pioneer, and is himself a working painter and the steward of one of the more extensive private collections of contemporary narrative figurative painting. His technology career underwrites the program. He's joined by visiting mentors and resident program leaders, all working with each fellow on technique, narrative depth, and artistic voice.
We work individually with each artist to develop and shape the ideas for their major works, in a process that brings the artist's voice and the Foundation's mission into the same room and pushes the painting toward its highest realization. The cohort itself acts as a catalyst, a supportive community fostering growth through shared learning, constructive critique, and collaboration.
"Technical skill is foundational, but true masterpieces arise from a profound connection to the work's audience and a deep caring and love for the story being told." - Andrew Conru
Significant stipends remove market concerns, and we provide materials, models, and logistical support so fellows can tackle the most ambitious paintings of their careers. The Foundation's shared aim with each fellow is work that lands with the people who see it and keeps mattering long after the year is over.
The pieces created will debut in our Pioneer Square gallery. We document the journey—the dedication, breakthroughs, and human story behind creating art with purpose.
Andrew Conru's path has been unconventional—from a small Indiana farm to a Stanford PhD, becoming an internet pioneer focused on fostering human connection.
After tech success, a period of reflection led him to philanthropy. Through the Conru Foundation and the Conru Art Foundation, he applies his service-oriented mindset to address societal needs for deeper meaning.
An amateur artist himself, he believes in art's power to heal and unite, especially when it pursues Beauty, Truth, and Love with masterful craft. Learn more at conru.com.
Tenaya Sims brings a rare blend of creative industry experience (Crystal Dynamics, Activision) and deep immersion in classical art traditions (Watts Occidental, apprenticeship with Juliette Aristides).
As founder of the Georgetown Occidental and an award-winning artist (ARC Salon Best in Show, exhibitions at Salmagundi Club and MEAM Barcelona), he possesses intimate knowledge of ambitious art creation and the Seattle art landscape.
Tenaya isn't just overseeing the program—he's a key part of the experiment. He manages day-to-day operations while also undertaking a significant commission as a participating fellow, providing invaluable peer insight.