Now Open for Entry

Deadline to Enter is November 18, 2026

Online Entry System

Please click the button above to enter this show on ArtCall.org. You will need to create a free account to enter your work.

We are using a new entry platform, that uses different terminology than you might be used to seeing. In ArtCall:

  • You will be asked to pay for the number of artworks you’ll be uploading in advance. You can add more later.

  • The word “application” means artwork, so one application is one work of art.

  • “Attachments” means images of the artwork, you can upload up to 2 images. You do not need to pay extra for attachments.

For first time users, we recommend the following resources:

  • The video tutorial linked on the call for entry page.
  • Our blog post that walks you through the entry process step-by-step.
  • Our FAQ section.

Introducing In The City

Skylines, crosswalks, alleyways and shops; bright lights, buses, taxis and crowds. These are just a small list of elements that create the essence of an urban environment. Some aspects of city life are universal and can represent any city, anywhere, from a large metropolis to a small town. Every city as well, has unique symbols and iconic places that signify the identity of the community, such as restaurants, festivals, music halls and graffiti. We welcome all artists to submit original work that gives us the sense of your urban experience. Whether you are an urbanite or a city visitor, give us a visual story of the city.

Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our 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 Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) third In the City Exhibition in Circle Gallery from February 3 – 27, 2027.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Rob Pointon, Plein Air Painter

Rob paints primarily en plein air and has a particular interest in the use of wider angle perspectives and the depiction of movement within his paintings.

Born 1982, Rob Pointon has been painting since he was a child under the tutelage of his artist Grandmother, then, as an adult, graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Fine Art from Aberystwyth University before going on to study at The Royal Drawing School in London. Having been a full time professional artist since 2006, Rob’s skills have developed through his work on locations all around the UK and abroad. Originally from the Staffordshire moorlands Rob is now based in South Cheshire.

Rob is a full member of the ROI (Royal Institute of Oil Painters), a member of MAFA (Manchester Academy of Fine Arts), the British Plein Air Painters and the outdoor painting collective The Northern Boys.

Since 2021 artist residencies with The Household Cavalry and wider Household Division have seen Rob produce a significant body of work around the ceremonial activities of The British Army and the protection of The Royal Households.

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

Awards

  • Awards designated by the juror total $1,000.

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 must be original in concept and design and created by the artist with their own hand without instructor guidance. MFA does not accept work created via image-generative AI. No reproduced artwork will be accepted.
  • Photographic prints not made directly by the artist, shall have been analog or digitally processed by the artist and shall be in control of any adjustments such as cropping, color balance, contrast, etc., through to the final printing.
  • Any printed photographic works that are printed as a limited edition must be signed and numbered. No unlimited reproductions are accepted.
  • 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.).

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).
  • MFA processes all sales, no exceptions. Payment from sold work will be mailed to the artist 30 days after the close of the exhibition.

Exhibition Schedule

  • Sep 15 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Nov 18 Entry Deadline
  • Dec 17 Notification @ 5 PM
  • Jan 27 – 31 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Feb 3 Exhibition Opens
  • Feb 3 Virtual Awards Ceremony @ 5:30 PM EST
  • Feb 27 Last Day of Exhibition; In-Person Reception at MFA Circle Gallery 4 – 6 PM
  • Feb 28 – Mar 1 Pick Up Hand-Delivered Work 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Mar 4 Shipped Work Will Be Sent

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

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.