Faber Birren Color Award Exhibition
The Faber Birren Color Award Exhibition is one of the Stamford Art Association's most distinguished annual juried exhibitions and the only art competition dedicated exclusively to the creative use of color. Presented annually since 1980 at the Stamford Art Association's Townhouse Gallery in Stamford, Connecticut, this internationally recognized exhibition celebrates artists whose work demonstrates exceptional understanding, innovation, and expressive use of color.
Each year, approximately 40 artists are selected by an invited juror to exhibit their work in the Townhouse Gallery and in an accompanying online exhibition. The exhibition welcomes submissions from artists across the United States and internationally, making it one of the Stamford Art Association's most anticipated annual events.
About Faber Birren
Faber Birren (1900–1988) was an internationally renowned color theorist, author, and industrial consultant who lived in Stamford, Connecticut. Widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on color in the twentieth century, Birren devoted his career to exploring how color influences art, architecture, industry, design, education, and human psychology.
Throughout his lifetime, he authored more than 40 books and 250 articles on color theory, helping shape modern understanding of the relationship between color and human perception. His research influenced artists, designers, educators, manufacturers, and organizations worldwide.
Birren also worked as an industrial color consultant, advising companies such as DuPont, Monsanto, General Electric, and branches of the U.S. military. His recommendations improved workplace safety, employee well-being, productivity, and visual communication through the strategic use of color.
Today, his extensive archive is preserved in Yale University's Arts Library, where his groundbreaking research continues to support scholars, artists, and designers.
A Nationally Recognized Juried Exhibition
Held annually each fall, the Faber Birren Color Award Exhibition attracts artists from across the United States and around the world. Approximately 40 artists are selected by the juror to exhibit their work at the Stamford Art Association's historic Townhouse Gallery and in the accompanying online exhibition.
The exhibition has earned a reputation for attracting exceptional artists and distinguished jurors. Jurors are invited from leading museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, often including professionals affiliated with organizations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Sotheby's.
Cash awards recognize outstanding achievement in the creative use of color, including the $1,000 First Prize, generously funded by the Birren family.
- Show Dates: November 15 – December 18, 2026
- Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Artist Notification: October 20, 2026
- Hand-Delivery: October 30 & 31, 12–2 PM
- Reception: November 15, 4–6 PM
- Pickup: December 19 & 20, 12–2 PM
2026 juror: Jordan Hillman, Assistant Curator of Art at the Bruce Museum.