Opening for Entry on June 30, 2026

Entry deadline August 26, 2026

Introducing Fiber Options

Textile arts are a method of telling stories of war, politics, religious and mythical tales, and other folklore. From ancient Chinese garments and medieval European tapestries to Indigenous American weavings, nearly every culture has embraced techniques like embroidery, sewing, appliqué, quilting, and weaving to pass down narratives and traditions. Technology and techniques continue to evolve. To combat staggering amounts of textile waste, artists can recycle and repurpose fabric into sustainable masterpieces. Think about the intersections of function, purpose, and beauty and how you can use fibers to create artwork.

MFA seeks creative work using natural or synthetic textiles and/or fabric as a medium for artistic expression. Mixed media work incorporating textiles or textile techniques such as weaving or embroidery are also encouraged. Work that is simply a depiction (i.e. paintings, photos, prints) of fiber art will not be accepted.

Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico to enter our biennial Fiber Options exhibition. All original 2D or 3D work incorporating the use of textiles and following exhibition guidelines will be considered. MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery from July 8 – August 15, 2026. Exhibition Chair: Angela Petruncio.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Sydney Abady, Artist and Arts Educator

Syd Abady is an artist and educator who explores the politics and personalities of homes through a textiles-based practice. Her art incorporates architectural imagery, found objects, and fiber techniques to question issues of public and private spaces. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Textiles and Nature, Culture, Sustainability Studies with an emphasis on Urban Studies. She is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship in Chile and has exhibited at El Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), the Bronx Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA LA).

Terms of Entry

• Entry is open to artists residing in any of the states or territories of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• Entering this exhibition indicates understanding and agreement on the part of the artist with the conditions stated herein and with (a) MFA’s approved Statement of Equality and Diversity and (b) MFA’s General Guidelines. Work must meet exhibition guidelines to be included in the event. MFA may determine work ineligible if entry guidelines are not followed. Work delivered must correspond with the image(s) submitted to the juror.
• Images of accepted works may be used at the sole discretion of MFA for promotional purposes including, but not limited to: the invitation, catalog, website, or social media. Images will include attribution wherever possible.
• Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event.

Liability

•  All work is blind juried. Artists’ name and identifying information is hidden from the juror. Watermarks are discouraged to ensure blind jurying.
• All work will be handled with all possible care, but pieces submitted for exhibition are at the artist’s risk. In the event of damage or theft, the MFA will not be held liable. If insurance is desired, the artist must carry it.

Awards

• Awards designated by the juror total $1000.

Entry Requirements

• All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. File size may be no more than 10 MB. Images for the juror must correspond with the actual work. MFA does not display watermarks; artists display at their own risk.
• For video submissions: you must put the link to the video in the Linked Web Resource field, and then upload a still frame from the video. For accepted video submissions, the artist will be expected to deliver the file to MFA on a thumbdrive.
• All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist’s hand. A maximum of 6 original works created within the past 3 years may be entered. If artwork is part of a limited edition, please state total number in the edition. Work previously exhibited at MFA Circle Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.
• Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork or frame, cannot exceed 72” in any direction. Artists may be asked to assist with the installation of oversized work (greater than 60” or over 40 lbs).

Entry Fee

• 1 or 2 entries $45 (MFA Members $30). Up to 4 additional entries $6.75 each (MFA Members $4.50). Entry fees are non-refundable.

Sales

• Artists will retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 30% commission (25% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA.
• Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).

Exhibition Schedule:

• Jun 30 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
• Aug 26 Entry Deadline
• Oct 1 Notification @ 5 PM
• Oct 21 – 25 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM
• Sep 28 Exhibition Opens
• Sep 28 Virtual Awards Ceremony @ 5:30 PM
• Nov 21  Last Day of Exhibition; In-Person Reception at MFA Circle Gallery 4 – 6 PM
• Nov 22 – 23 Pick Up Hand-Delivered Work 11 AM – 4 PM
• Nov 30 Shipped Work Will Be Sent

NOTE: Should Circle Gallery or any other exhibition space be closed for reasons beyond our control, MFA reserves the right to move a planned physical exhibit to our online gallery.