EMERGING ARTIST COMPETITION
Celebrating Emerging Artists!
The SAVAGE Emerging Artist Competition brings together a curated selection of emerging artists whose work will be exhibited at a leading Los Angeles gallery in February 2026.
This exhibition highlights selected works chosen by a distinguished panel of art collectors, curators, and industry professionals, offering a platform for new voices and bold creative visions to be seen on a national stage.
The SAVAGE Competition serves as a celebration of creativity and rising talent, spotlighting artists whose work reflects cultural expression, innovation, and the future of contemporary art.
Named in honor of Augusta Savage, a groundbreaking sculptor, educator, and champion of Black artists, the competition pays tribute to her enduring legacy. In 1939, Savage opened the Salon of Contemporary Negro Art in Harlem, becoming the first Black American woman to establish and operate an art gallery dedicated to Black artists. Her courage created pathways for generations of creatives who followed.
Just as Savage used her platform to uplift emerging voices, the SAVAGE Competition continues her mission, celebrating bold ideas, cultural expression, and the transformative power of art.
ON VIEW: Through March 14, 2026
ABOUT AUGUSTA SAVAGE
Augusta Savage was the first person in the U.S. to open a gallery dedicated to African American art.
A Harlem Renaissance sculptor and art educator, she was also one of the first Black women art activists of her time and fought for the inclusion of Black artists in the mainstream canon.
Art historian Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D. explores Savage's legacy, and why her artwork has been largely erased.
Searching for Augusta Savage
American Masters Shorts | PBS
MEET THE 2026 SAVAGE WINNERS
While prizes were awarded, what became abundantly clear is that every finalist is a winner. Each artist brought courage, originality, and a bold sense of authorship that reflects where contemporary art is headed.
We are proud to celebrate:
DEVIN WESLEY
Grand Prize Winner — $10,000
and a $500 Blick Art Materials gift card
JONATHAN BARBER
Runner-Up — $2,500
GARRY F. GRANT
Runner-Up — $2,500
MEET THE 2026 SAVAGE FINALISTS
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OPENING RECEPTION
WITH GRATITUDE
SAVAGE is made possible through the generous support of the following patrons, as well as those who chose to remain anonymous. Art Melanated gratefully acknowledges their belief in our work and in our efforts to amplify artists and expand access to the arts.
LEAD SUPPORTERS
Harmonia Rosales
Magic Lemonade Stand
MAJOR SUPPORTER
Chris Paul
SAVAGE 2026 JUDGES
Ayesha Selden
Hill Harper
Joy Simmons M.D.
Kendall Hurns
Mashonda Tifrere
Dr. Teddy Rahsaan
Terrell Tilford
Kevin A Williams
CULTURAL SUPPORTERS
Chad Dyer
iBest Wines
Laurie Ferreira
Yvonne Orji
Mia Wallace
ART PATRONS
BLICK
Edmonds Honor
Janine Sherman & Lyndon Barrois
Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles
Jessica & Ryan Legaux
Safiya & Bakari Adams
Tomeeka Morris
J White
FRIENDS OF ART MELANATED
Brandon Deener, Byron Young, Christina Doman, Deyanna Denyse,
Devin Wesley,Jacqueline Taylor, Keith Hawkins, Kevin West,
Lorenza and David Munoz White, Marcus Williams, Marjorie Williams,
Meena Muru, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Pressed Juicery,
Robyn Lattaker-Johnson