AIS Opening and Award Winners

The American Impressionist Society’s 26th Annual National Juried Exhibition opened at Cassens Fine Art with 182 exceptional works, selected from over 1,700 entries, AND only 46 awards.

The 26th Annual American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibition opened at Cassens Fine Art to a packed house, bringing in artists, collectors, and art lovers from all across the country. The energy in the gallery on opening night was thriving, with visitors moving from piece to piece, taking in the extraordinary range of talent represented in this year’s show.

This nationally respected exhibition features 182 works selected from more than 1,700 entries, each chosen through AIS’s rigorous blind jury process. A panel of five nationally recognized Master and Signature member artists reviewed every submission without knowing the identities of the artists or their fellow jurors. Only the highest-scoring works earned a place in the exhibition, making each accepted painting a true mark of distinction.

Ned Mueller AISM, at the opening reception of the AIS 26th Annual National Juried Exhibition opening in August of 2025.

This year’s Awards Judge, Ned Mueller AISM, brought decades of experience and remarkable knowledge to the role. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Montana, Mueller is one of the few artists to have earned Designated Master status with both the American Impressionist Society and the Oil Painters of America. His career spans illustration, fine art, teaching, and even consulting for Walt Disney Imagineering. With an extensive exhibition history and memberships in some of the nation’s most prestigious art organizations, Mueller’s discerning eye made him uniquely qualified to evaluate the outstanding works on display.

The awards ceremony recognized excellence across multiple categories, with top honors including Best of Show ($12,000), Second Place ($9,000), and Third Place ($6,000). Additional awards recognized standout achievements in oils, pastels, watermedia, and more, with prizes provided by esteemed sponsors such as Fine Art Connoisseur, Southwest Art Magazine, American Art Collector, and Plein Air Magazine.

3rd place

Morning Shadows on the Sandias

Barbara Coleman AIS | 16 x 20 in | SOLD

“Morning Shadows on the Sandias” by Barbara Coleman AIS earned Third Place, capturing the beauty of the Sandia Mountains as morning light begins to shift across their faces. Coleman’s subtle palette transitions radiate the stillness of the mountain's early hours, while her attention to light and shadow speaks directly to the idea of impressionism. The piece’s strength lies in its ability to convey atmosphere and place with understated ease.

2nd place

Late Summer Moment

Anton Pavlenko AIS | 24 x 30 in | SOLD

“Late Summer Moment” by Anton Pavlenko AIS, recipient of the Second Place Award, captures a transition between seasons with masterful use of color and light. The interplay of warm golds against cool purples and blues creates a sense of atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the scene. Pavlenko’s strong brushwork and layered hues give the landscape depth and vibrancy, offering a memorable interpretation of nature through the eyes of impressionism.

best of show

Sunflowers I

Eric Jacobsen AIS | 16x 20 in | SOLD

Winner of Best of Show in the American Impressionist Society’s 26th Annual National Juried Exhibition, “Sunflowers I” is a masterclass in the language of impressionism. Eric Jacobsen's loose brushwork brings out the energy of the scene, while bold color choices bring warmth and vitality to the composition. This piece stands as both a celebration of everyday beauty and a remarkable example of why impressionism continues to resonate so strongly today.

While some award-winning works have already found new homes, over 140 exceptional pieces remain available for purchase. The show runs through September 2, offering visitors the rare chance to collect from one of the most competitive and respected exhibitions in the country.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or discovering American Impressionism for the first time, this exhibition offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience art at its highest level.