BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Oil Painters of America’s 2025 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition is set to open Thursday at Beverly McNeil Gallery, spotlighting Birmingham as a national destination for traditional oil painting and showcasing more than 100 original works selected for exceptional technique and artistry. The exhibition will be on display from September 11 through October 11, with a public opening reception and awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, September 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Awards will be announced at 6 p.m.
Birmingham’s selection as host for the renowned juried contest places the city in the national spotlight, linking it to a surge in interest in representational oil painting that has marked American art in recent decades. Beverly McNeil Gallery, known for curating major art events, brings together Oil Painters of America (OPA) members and master artists from across the United States and Canada, with all works for sale throughout the month-long show.
The competition recognizes diversity in representational style and subject matter, and total artist awards exceed $12,000 in cash and merchandise. The jurying process, led by an OPA master artist, focuses on qualities of draftsmanship, color, and composition that define the contemporary renaissance of oil painting.
Organizers say the exhibition is open to the public at Beverly McNeil Gallery, 605 28th St. S., Birmingham. All original works will be available for purchase through October 11, with accessibility and viewing hours set Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event affirms Birmingham’s growing prominence as a hub for national art events and highlights the enduring appeal of traditional oil painting, a medium enjoying renewed creative energy among contemporary artists nationwide.