KAHULUI – The Schaefer Portrait Challenge 2015, a signature exhibit for the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, will be on display from Jan. 13 to March 22.

View the works in the Schaefer International Gallery Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as before Castle Theater shows and during intermissions. Admission is free.

This statewide juried competition offers two substantial cash awards: the Jurors’ Choice Award sponsored by Jack and Carolyn Schaefer Gray, and the Marian Freeman People’s Choice Award sponsored by Gage Schubert.

Held as a triennial since 2003, the challenge continues to encourage Hawaii’s artists to depict the people and stories of our island communities through explorations in portraiture.

Jurors Esther Shimazu, Keith Tallett and Sidney Yee traveled around the state to view entries and make their final expert selection of two- and three-dimensional work. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award when you visit the gallery.

Related public events include “Techniques in Portraiture” on Feb. 5 and 12 and March 5 and 12 from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring instructional classes for high school students taught by artists in the Schaefer Portrait Challenge. Space is limited to 20 students; admission is free. Call 243-4288 or e-mail neida@mauiarts.org to register.

A free “Observe and Play Family Day” is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your family to the Schaefer International Gallery to see the exhibit, meet the artists and make a tiny portrait to take home.

And the People’s Choice Award Reception will be held on Sunday, March 15, at 5 p.m. Find out which artist will receive the $5,000 Marian Freeman People’s Choice Award based on the popular votes cast by the public.