Banner Detail: Suffocation, oil on canvas, Katarina Russell for MFA’s In Contrast 2025

Opening for Entry on August 25, 2026

Deadline to Enter is October 21, 2026

 

Introducing In Contrast

Contrast is a dynamic force in artistic expression, shaping perception, guiding emotion, and commanding attention. Whether through striking juxtapositions of light and dark, bold complementary hues, or the interplay of texture and form, contrast heightens impact and deepens meaning. It is a tool that artists have long used to create tension, harmony, and visual intrigue.

From the stark chiaroscuro of the Baroque to the electrifying oppositions in Fauvist color, contrast has played a defining role in art history. Op Art relies on optical contrast to create movement, while contemporary artists push boundaries by manipulating digital and material contrasts to challenge perception and provoke thought. In fashion and design, contrast is a marker of sophistication, think the enduring elegance of black and white or the rebellious clash of punk aesthetics. This exhibition explores contrast in its many forms, color, light, texture, subject, and concept. We invite artists working in all mediums to submit works that harness contrast as a powerful tool of artistic expression.

Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. This includes works selected by the juror which will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) In Contrast Exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from December 15, 2026 – February 14, 2027.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: TBA

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, social media, or a subsequent year’s prospectus. Images will include attribution wherever possible.
  • Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event.

Liability

  • Artwork will be handled with all possible care. MFA will not be responsible or liable for loss or damage from any cause whatsoever. Insurance, if desired, must be carried by the artist.

Awards

  • Awards designated by the juror total $500.

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 them 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, you will be expected to deliver the file to MFA on a thumbdrive.

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.

Work

  • 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 in MFA’s Virtual Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.
  • There is no size limit for online exhibitions.

Sales

  • MFA’s Online Sales Gallery is provided to North American artists to sell their work. Only artists in the 48 contiguous United States may set a price. MFA will reimburse up to $35 in shipping costs to those artists for online sales shipments if a receipt is provided. All other artists must enter Price on Request (POR) and purchase inquiries will be referred by MFA to the artist.
  • Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 20% commission (15% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA. The sale of artwork is taxable, and all sales tax processing will be handled by MFA. Artists will be responsible for fulfillment of sales.
  • Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).

Exhibition Schedule

  • August 25 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • October 21 Entry Deadline @ 11:59 PM
  • November 19 Notification @ 5 PM
  • December 15 Exhibition Opens
  • January 7, 2027 Awards Announced @ 5 PM
  • February 14, 2027 Last Day of the Exhibition
General Guidelines

Notification

All entrants will receive notification by email. Accepted artists will also be posted on MFA’s website. Artists who have unsubscribed from MFA emails will not receive notification. The notice to accepted artists will include specific details and could vary from the prospectus. Please set your email account to recognize eleanor@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org. Contact Circle Gallery if you do not receive notice by 6 PM on the day of notification.