The Art of the Portrait Conference ~ April 9-12, 2026 ~ Atlanta, GA
Join artists from all over the world for the 28th anniversary The Art of the Portrait conference! The conference is a gathering of artists from all over the world that share a passion for the portrait. The format of the event provides a variety of demonstrations in diverse mediums, discussions on how to advance your career, hands on workshops, meeting the selected finalists and viewing their artwork in The International, 6x9 Limited Size Unlimited Talent – Mystery Art Sale, networking, portfolio critiques and so much more!
Have Questions?
Call toll-free 1-877-772-4321 to have your questions answered by the Portrait Society of America staff.
What will you EXPERIENCE?
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World-Class Instruction: Again, we’re lining up the most celebrated portrait and figurative artists working today for pre-conference workshops, mainstage demos, and interactive breakout sessions.
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Hands-On Opportunities: We heard your feedback, and we’ll be providing additional hands-on opportunities exploring sculpting, drawing, and painting.
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Portfolio Reviews: We will host this popular event again where attendees can receive direct, constructive critiques from respected professionals to help grow your work and confidence.
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Inspiring Community: Since our group reserves the entire meeting space and hotel rooms, everyone you meet will be an artist giving you the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and build lasting connections with fellow artists from around the world.
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The International Portrait Competition: You’ll be part of a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring the highest level of contemporary portraiture.
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Top-Tier Art Materials: We’re booking out returning art materials and service companies now, so save your funds to restock your art supplies.
FACULTY ARTISTS:
Anna Rose Bain, Frances Bell, Jason Bouldin, Louis Carr, Ali Cavanaugh, Kevin Chambers, Casey Childs, Micah Christensen, Grace DeVito, Michelle Dunaway, Jeff Hein, Quang Ho, Daniel Keys, Chelsea Lang, Susan Lyon, Michael Shane Neal, Richard Christian Nelson, Alicia N. Ponzio, Stephanie Paige Thomson, Dawn Whitelaw, Mary Whyte, Shane Wolf, and Zhaoming Wu
Guests Artists: The Next Generation – Tina Figarelli, Julia Maddalina, Kristen Valle Yann and Jackson Wrede
In-Person Tuition
Tuition Rates:
Member rate: $625.00 (593.75 with 5% off)
Non-Member rate: 725.00 (688.75 with 5% off)
Save 5% off tuition rates through October 31, 2025.
Call our office at 1-877-772-4321 if you have questions about registration or logging into our new system.
Cancellation Policy: If your plans change, please notify the Portrait Society in writing before February 9, 2026 to receive a full refund. After February 9, 2026, you will receive an educational credit for your tuition less a $100 cancellation fee. Your educational credit may be applied to future conference or membership dues within three years. Banquet and Bus Tickets are non-refundable.
Grand Hyatt Atlanta
All conference activities will take place at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta-Buckhead, our host hotel.
Our hotel registration links will made available to anyone that registers for the conference. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are sold out at the Portrait Society rate.
HOST HOTEL:
Grand Hyatt Atlanta - Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Tel: (404) 237-1234
Portrait Society conference rate: $149/night
In-Person Program Schedule
What can you EXPECT?
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An Opening program featuring 15 artists demonstrating in oil, watercolor, pastel, graphite and clay
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Pre-conference workshops to provide you with a full day of hands-on instruction
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Main Stage demonstrations
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Panel discussions
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Breakout classes to select from with a variety of topics
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The Gala Awards and banquet on Saturday evening – the Oscars of portraiture!
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Exhibit Hall featuring the latest in art materials and services
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Portfolio critiques from professional artists
...and so much more!
Virtual Conference
Virtual Tuition Rate: $525.00
Interested in attending the conference but cannot attend in person? Click the "Learn More" button to view the virtual program schedule and register.
Tuition for the virtual conference includes all conference activities that occur on the mainstage in the Grand Ballroom. This includes the Saturday evening Awards Presentation. You will be able to view all of the excellent programming at a discounted rate from in-person tuition.
Conference Scholarships
Applications open October 1, 2025.
Applications close December 15, 2025.
As part of our ongoing mission to educate the public about the traditions of fine art portraiture and figurative works, the Portrait Society offers several scholarships.
In addition to over 30 tuition-only scholarships awarded annually for artists to attend the conference, the Portrait Society awards one full scholarship that provides tuition, three-nights hotel stay, and travel allowance: The Gordon Wetmore Legacy. Apply on or before December 15, 2025. Notifications will be sent early January.
Veteran Scholarship
Applications open October 1, 2025.
Applications close December 15, 2025.
The Portrait Society is partnering with the Patriot Art Foundation to offer one full scholarship that provides tuition, three-night hotel stay, and travel allowance to a veteran in support of the Foundations mission to provide free education and materials to veterans who desire to use art as a conduit for self-expression, connection, and purpose. Apply on or before December 15, 2025. Notifications will be sent early January.