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Celebrating Artistic Excellence with the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci 2023!

The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci includes a custom trophy, Contemporary Celebrity Masters 2 book and the official event catalog.
From left to right, the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci includes a custom trophy, Contemporary Celebrity Masters 2 book and the official event catalog.

Art has always been a medium through which emotions are expressed, stories are told, and cultures are preserved. It serves as a bridge connecting people across time and space, and its power to inspire and captivate is unparalleled. In the heart of Milan, a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage, a prestigious event unfolded on April 5, 2023. The National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, Italy played host to the 5th annual International Prize Leonardo da Vinci, celebrating exceptional artists and their contributions to the world of art. I am truly honoured to have my work acknowledged amongst some of the best contemporary artists in the world! Let’s delve into the grandeur of the event and explore the significance of the prize.

A Day to Remember

The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci event held at the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, Italy
The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci event held at the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, Italy on April 5, 2023. Photo provided by event organizers.

Picture this: the captivating ambiance of the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci, adorned with masterpieces and teeming with anticipation. Collectors, journalists, politicians, and art enthusiasts, all eagerly awaiting the revelation of the prize winners. It was a day steeped in glamour and prestige, where talent and creativity were celebrated at the highest level.

The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci

"Idle Wild," a digital mixed media piece by Teresa Cowley featured in the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci event catalog.
"Idle Wild," a digital mixed media piece by Teresa Cowley featured in the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci event catalog.

The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci is an esteemed accolade bestowed upon artists who demonstrate exceptional professional artistic merits. This year, the award ceremony showcased the remarkable talents of artists from around the world, recognizing their contributions to the artistic realm. Handcrafted by skilled Florentine artisans, the coveted prize took the form of a precious customized Leonardo’s sculpted trophy, representing the pinnacle of artistic achievement.

Effetto Arte and the Russo Brothers

The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci event presentation by Effetto Arte and the Russo brothers.
The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci event presentation by Effetto Arte and the Russo brothers.

Behind the scenes of this grand event stood Effetto Arte, a foundation fueled by a deep passion for art. For over a decade, Effetto Arte has been dedicated to promoting, publishing, and exhibiting art in various renowned venues worldwide. Their mission revolves around offering visibility to artists and supporting organizations and associations with social utility purposes. The foundation, in collaboration with Italian art critics and consultants Salvatore Russo and Francesco Saverio Russo, curated the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci, ensuring that artistic excellence receives the recognition it deserves.

Dr. Salvatore Russo

A Champion of Emerging Artists: Salvatore Russo, an esteemed art critic and curator, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. Known for his dedication to promoting emerging artists, Russo has curated numerous art exhibitions and published insightful articles on contemporary art. His vision and expertise have garnered him the reputation of a discerning advocate for budding talents. As the founder of the Russo Art Gallery, he has provided a platform for artists to showcase their work and gain exposure in the art world.

Dr. Francesco Saverio Russo

A Connoisseur of Italian Art: Francesco Saverio Russo, an Italian art critic and journalist, lent his expertise to the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci. With a wealth of knowledge on Italian art and artists, Russo’s contributions to the event were invaluable. As the director of the art magazine “Arte” and the author of several books and articles on contemporary art, he brought a deep understanding of the intricacies of the art world to the forefront. Additionally, his curated exhibitions have showcased the diversity and beauty of Italian art on both national and international platforms.

The Legacy of Leonardo da Vinci

An AI generated bust portrait of Leonardo da Vinci based on the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci trophy
An AI generated bust portrait of Leonardo da Vinci created from a photo I took of the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci trophy.

The event not only celebrated the achievements of contemporary artists but also paid homage to the great Leonardo da Vinci himself. The book “Contemporary Celebrity Masters” Vol. II, accompanying the prize, will showcase the works of the awarded artists alongside an article delving into the life and history of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Through this publication, the legacy of da Vinci will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.

A great Honour for Any Artist

Many rows of the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci trophies
Many rows of the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci trophies waiting to be presented to their recipients.

The International Prize Leonardo da Vinci 2023 was a night of triumph and celebration, honoring the talents of exceptional artists and shining a spotlight on them. Thank you so much to everyone involved for the acknowledgement of my work and for the inclusion in two great publications! 

My International Prize Donatello was also presented to my through Effetto Arte and the Russo brothers.

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Digital artist and graphic designer, Teresa Cowley

My name is Teresa Cowley, and I'm a digital artist and graphic designer from Vancouver Island, Canada. I focus on abstract and fantasy art as well as digital collage, and like to utilize AI art tools as part of my design process to create new, innovative pieces of art. I strive to create new, unique designs that tell imaginative stories, and I am eager to push the boundaries of what can be expressed with art and technology.

6 Comments

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Heidi · May 23, 2024 at 7:02 pm

Hello! Do they ask to pay for any fees? If so, how much? Thanks!

    Digital artist and graphic designer, Teresa Cowley

    teresa · May 28, 2024 at 7:10 pm

    Hi, thank you so much for your comment! There is a fee of 290,00 euros to participate. Your trophy, book and extras (if any) are included so there’s no other fees on top of the entry fee. By extras I mean a calendar or small things like that. I’m not sure if there’s always an extra as I’ve only participated once so far.

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Emerson · March 15, 2024 at 5:16 pm

Thank you!

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Emerson · March 11, 2024 at 8:44 am

How can submit to this priz?

    Digital artist and graphic designer, Teresa Cowley

    teresa · March 12, 2024 at 6:07 pm

    Hi, Emerson! Thank you for your comment! I was invited directly by Francesco Saverio Russo by email after finding me on Instagram. So I would suggest contacting him for information on how to apply. francescorussoarte@gmail.com

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