Selected Artists · Voices

Testimonials

Hear from artists who have participated in the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition – from the 25th edition to the 40th.

  • Such a wonderful experience from beginning to end! I was incredibly honored to be included in the 40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition exhibition. The communication throughout the entire process was exceptional, and the exhibition itself was beautifully curated. The opening reception was such a special evening, and everyone at the gallery made the artists feel genuinely welcomed and celebrated. So grateful to have been a part of it!

    Alicia Staley JohnsonUnited States · 40th CIFAC

  • This was the best opening reception of an exhibition that I was a part of. All the work was featured thoughtfully and my experience with the staff that guided me through the entire process were very helpful and attentive.

    Danelle RivasUnited States · 40th CIFAC

  • The exhibition was beautifully curated, the opening reception was fantastic, and the Agora team was responsive, professional, attentive to detail, and genuinely kind throughout. As both an artist and gallery owner, I know how much work goes into creating a successful exhibition and making artists feel supported. Kudos to the entire Agora team for a wonderful experience!

    Paul KronerUnited States · 40th CIFAC

  • The work shown was diverse yet cohesive and thought-provoking; curated with care and precision by a kind, thoughtful, energetic, and engaging staff.

    Jay HatfieldUnited States · 39th CIFAC

  • I participated in the 39th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition – Collective Exhibition. From the initial guidance and follow-up to the installation, opening reception, and press release, the team provided thoughtful support every step of the way. It was a truly wonderful experience. Exhibiting in Chelsea, New York, is something very special for an artist.

    Nobuko TsurutaUnited States · 39th CIFAC

  • What a privilege it has been to be a part of such an elite group. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible community. Initially, I didn't understand the placement of my piece, but was informed that the two actually complement each other, and they did! Thank you again for the opportunity, it was an amazing recognition.

    Karen TroyerUnited States · 38th CIFAC

  • I had a positive experience participating in the 38th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Collective Exhibition. The event was well-organized, and I appreciated the professionalism of the gallery staff throughout the process. Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to future exhibitions.

    Yaowei TuCanada · 38th CIFAC

  • I really appreciated the professionalism of the whole team. Every person I came into contact with was an expert in their field. We communicated quickly and easily. I wasn't able to go to the vernissage, but the photos and video were superb and exciting. I'm very happy with this first experience in NYC.

    Yann Jaime SepulvedaFrance · 38th CIFAC

  • I found The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition to be a very positive experience. Everyone I dealt with from the gallery was extremely professional and helpful. The exhibit was thoughtfully arranged, and I enjoyed meeting and talking with the other exhibiting artists at the opening reception which had an impressive turn-out!

    Carol LevineUnited States · 37th CIFAC

  • Participating in this art competition has been a meaningful and transformative experience that has strengthened my confidence in my work and in myself as an artist. It has motivated me to continue exploring, creating and sharing my art with the world. Don't be afraid to show your talent and let your artistic voice resonate!

    Gliser Fuentes MenaCuba · 37th CIFAC

  • I was delighted to exhibit at Agora Gallery as part of the Chelsea Fine Arts competition. As I was sending my paintings from France, I initially had some concerns, but the gallery team was extremely responsive and everything went perfectly. I wasn't able to attend the opening, but the photos I received showed a magnificent moment.

    Marc VuillermozFrance · 37th CIFAC

  • Just wanted to thank you for putting on, what I thought, was a super show. It looked fabulous and the reception seemed to be very well attended — especially for August. The extremely positive response to my work was insightful and reaffirmed that environmental art will be a big coming thing.

    Spencer FrazerUnited States · 37th CIFAC

  • I was honored to be part of the 36th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Collective exhibition. During all the period, communications with the members of the Agora Gallery has been perfect, constant and always supportive. I warmly suggest other artists to participate in future competitions.

    Ilaria MianiItaly · 36th CIFAC

  • Thanks to the efforts of the organizers, we had a wonderful experience. Not only was it a valuable experience to be able to exhibit at Agora Gallery, it was also very exciting to exchange ideas with artists from all over the world and to hear the evaluations of the people in New York who are connoisseurs of art.

    Tomoko Kato (on behalf of Hiromitsu Kato)Japan · 36th CIFAC

  • My overall impression was that the competition and exhibition were very well prepared. The gallery is well maintained and the personnel was impeccable. Hopefully I will have more collaborations in the future. I strongly recommend artists to apply to the Chelsea International Fine Art competition.

    Sonia Indelicato RosevalCanada · 36th CIFAC

  • It was a 'wow' moment for me to display my work with artists from different countries. The whole process of the competition is so enriching and educating. It is remarkable to have a chance to work with the very enthusiastic team of Agora Gallery. To participate in the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition is the best chance for any artists to show their work in front of the New York audience.

    Bhairavi ModiIndia · 36th CIFAC

  • It was wonderful to be part of the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. They gave a great platform for my work to the international art market even during the peak of the pandemic when it was hard to reach an audience. Communication was also clear from day one. It was extremely satisfying to see my work in the gallery.

    Shubhi GuptaSingapore · 35th CIFAC

  • It was such an honor to be selected for the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. It was a great opportunity to show my artwork in New York and gain recognition from the public. I was so pleased to see my artwork presented in this beautiful art gallery space. I highly recommend Agora to all the artists who would present their work in New York.

    Jan ZhouChina · 34th CIFAC

  • I want first of all to thank you for your welcome in your gallery, amazing exposure of my paintings (even in the street!) and your encouragements to move forward. I am very proud of my participation in this last Agora Gallery art competition and I trust this will be a stride in my painter career and an acknowledgement for my work beyond borders and oceans.

    VENDREDIFrance · 34th CIFAC

  • In my 53-year career in professional photography and television broadcasting I have never been more impressed with the complete team-effort which was accomplished by the people who successfully operate Agora Gallery. The entire staff was consistently polite, helpful and precise with their communications, care and expertise in assisting me during the entire process.

    Ross LewisUnited States · 34th CIFAC

  • I am very happy to have been selected by the jury of the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition which allowed me to be exposed in Chelsea, the unrivaled, influential global epicenter of the art world. The whole team of Agora Gallery was very professional, very available and very pleasant.

    Samuel CornilletFrance · 34th CIFAC

  • I am honored to have been selected as a finalist for two consecutive years in the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition! So too, to sell an artwork. It was such an enjoyable experience working with the kind and professional Agora team the first time that I decided to enter again. An invaluable opportunity for any artist.

    Emily JonesAustralia · 33rd CIFAC

  • Agora Gallery gave me the chance, through the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, to exhibit my artwork in New York from a new perspective. The experience enriches me personally and my artistic career. I think it is important to point out the diversity of images and artists that I was able to meet during the exhibition.

    Candelaria PalaciosArgentina · 33rd CIFAC

  • My experience with Agora has been almost a dream come true. I never imagined ever exhibiting in a New York City Chelsea Art Gallery. The best thing about Agora was that it reignited the fire in me to continue painting. Thank you.

    Herold P AlexisUnited States · 33rd CIFAC

  • I was very happy to be selected to participate in the Agora Competition. They were very attentive to all the details of shipping the sculptures from Brazil to USA. It was a pleasure to be part of the exhibition and I highly encourage other artists to enter in the competition and believe in their art.

    Beth CavalcantiBrazil · 33rd CIFAC

  • I have never worked with such professional and engaged people in the field of fine art before! It was a pleasure to communicate with so many people, each of them absolutely expert in his/her field. I am very proud to have been selected by the jurors and can recommend participating in the competition.

    Peter GensslerGermany · 33rd CIFAC

  • I consider it has been an important step forward in my career as an artist. Having been selected out of so many international artists contributes to increasing the value of my work.

    José María PeñaSpain · 32nd CIFAC

  • It was very overwhelming to see my artwork in the Agora Gallery. The way the art was displayed seemed very professional and with care. It was great to be part of the crowd of international artists brought together for this fine art competition.

    Liz WalinskiGermany · 31st CIFAC

  • I decided to enter when I saw that there were seven jurors from four different countries. This seemed important to me since I felt that the number of diverse jurors would mean fair adjudication of everyone's work. I have painted for many years but I never felt confident to call myself an artist. Now I feel that I can do so.

    Patti FontaineCanada · 30th CIFAC

  • This was the first time that my artwork was exhibited outside Canada… two pieces were sold, and the positive feedback that I received boosted my confidence in what I am doing.

    Renée De GagnéCanada · 29th CIFAC

  • Winning the competition allowed me to feel more confident in my work and increased my exposure in the art world. I have nothing but praise for the competition staff and the staff at Agora Gallery. It was the best experience I've ever had in any gallery. I would love to enter again and have recommended the competition to many artists.

    Ed MoretUnited States · 28th CIFAC

  • To see my work displayed on the walls of your gallery was validating on so many levels. I have been doing art for more than forty years, and I couldn't help but feel a strong sense of satisfaction, joy, accomplishment, and personal honor. Winning the competition has fueled my passion and inspired me to work harder.

    Doug DePiceUnited States · 27th CIFAC

  • It was a pleasure to participate in the 2011 Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. It was the second time I took part, and I was very proud to be selected this time. It was amazing to have the chance to show my artwork in the Agora Gallery, and it was a great feeling to be a New York City exhibited artist.

    Ilse BormannGermany · 26th CIFAC

  • My experience with Agora Gallery has been very positive. Although I could not attend the exhibition itself for reasons of travel, everything related to the exhibition has been very professional throughout. Working with a gallery like this is always a help to the creative work of a photographer.

    Jose A. GallegoSpain · 25th CIFAC