Like so many other Museum visitors, the late Dan North of Litchfield, CT, was so taken with the view of Walnut Hill Park from the New Britain Museum of American Art that he proposed a biennial painting contest depicting the park.

The contest winner will receive a prize of $1,000 courtesy of North, whose New Britain ancestors donated the 10-acre site used to create the park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City, was greatly inspired by the artwork of American artist Frederic Church, who is represented in the Museum’s collection.

Artists (18 and older) may depict the park from any view they choose, in any medium they prefer. Size of the artwork is up to the artist, up to 52 inches in length or width. Applicants must email their name, an image of their work, title, dimensions, and medium to [email protected] (with the subject line: Walnut Hill Painting) by May 31, 2026. The receiving date for works will follow.

The winner will be chosen through a online public vote in July. The winning entry will be displayed during Nor’Easter, the Museum’s Annual Juried Member’s Exhibition in August 2026.