With determination to restore the universal language of realism in the visual arts, a group of fine artists and experts banded together to celebrate and propagate Contemporary Realism. They founded the Art Renewal Center in 1999. Since their genesis, this non-profit educational foundation has dedicated itself to encouraging rigorous skill-based training in the methods of the Old Masters, bestowing the title of 'ARC Approved ' on ateliers who share their core values and demonstrate technical mastery. The International ARC Salon Competition is the largest and most prestigious for realist based art in the USA, arguably the world, receiving this year over 3,750 entries from 69 countries. This year's winners demonstrate the great breadth and originality that can be found in all facets of fine art. Categories include: Figurative, Portraiture, Imaginative Realism, Landscape, Animals, Sculpture, Drawing, Still Life, Plein Air and the Da Vinci Initiative Award for the Young Aspiring Artist. AUTHOR: Frederick C. Ross, Chairman of the ARC, has a Masters in art education from Columbia University and is the leading authority on William Bouguereau, co-author of the catalogue raisonne, William Bouguereau: His Life and Works. His essays and speeches have become required reading in countless classrooms. Kara Lysandra Ross, Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the ARC, is an art historian and writer. She co-founded The Da Vinci Initiative, dedicated to introducing skill-based art education in public and private schools K-12, and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. She is the world leading authority on Edmund Blair Leighton, and is currently researching and writing the catalogue raisonne. SELLING POINTS: . Over a thousand stunning traditional artworks, from the forefront of the 21st Century Realist Art Movement . Presents the winners and finalists of the 13th International ARC Salon Competition . Artist contributors from across the globe compete in a range of genres, from 'Imaginative Realism' to 'Plein air' and 'Portraiture' 1076 colour images