Paul Kroner Selected for 40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition

I'm honored to share that I've been selected for the 40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Collective Exhibition, presented at Agora Gallery in New York City. Three of my bronze sculptures—Crow's Feet, Micah, and Twood Love—will be featured in the international juried exhibition, on view August 1–15, 2026.

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  Crow's Feet

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  Micah

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  Twood Love

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd become a sculptor, let alone have the opportunity to show my work in New York City. Every step along the way has led somewhere I never anticipated, and this exhibition is another wonderful surprise. I'm honored, grateful, and—if I'm being completely honest—a little giddy.

By the time many of you read this, I'll be on the road to New York with three bronze sculptures carefully packed in my car. It still feels a little surreal, and I have a feeling it won't truly sink in until I walk into Agora Gallery and see them standing there. Part of me is still waiting to wake up and discover this has all been a dream—or worse, a prank. Maybe seeing the sculptures in the gallery will finally convince me it's real.

Looking back, I realize that's always been the pattern. I haven't followed a carefully mapped-out career path. Instead, I've followed my curiosity and the need to make things. One idea has led to another, each opening the door to an unexpected opportunity and taking me places I never imagined—from sculpture to painting, from abstraction to representation, and even to opening Studio Kroner. Curiosity has shaped not only my work, but my life.

The three sculptures selected for this exhibition each represent a different point along the way. While they vary in subject and approach, they're connected by a fascination with form, unexpected associations, and the simple joy of discovering where an idea might lead. My hope is that they reward close looking and leave room for viewers to bring their own experiences and interpretations.

I'm also grateful to the many people and organizations who have encouraged and supported me over the years—my partner Elaine, family, friends, collectors, fellow artists, and organizations like the Ohio Arts Council, Summerfair Cincinnati, and the Ohio Art League. I'm grateful to everyone who has encouraged me along the way. Your support has made this unexpected path richer and more rewarding than I ever imagined.

If your travels bring you to New York this August, I hope you'll stop by Agora Gallery for the opening reception on Thursday, August 6, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. I'd love the opportunity to see you and share these new works in person.

Thank you, as always, for following along. I can't wait to discover where the journey leads next.

— Paul Kroner

Exhibition Details

40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Collective Exhibition

August 1–15, 2026

Opening Reception: August 6, 6-8 pm

Agora Gallery

530 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001