MFA General Guidelines
Entry Requirements
Eligibility
- Unless otherwise noted, open juried exhibitions are open only to residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. Online shows are open to artists from around the world, with the exception of sanctioned countries.
- All entries must meet MFA’s approved Statement of Equality and Diversity.
Entries and Submission Fees
- Entry fees are nonrefundable.
- Fees and size requirements are announced by our call for entry system and are stated in each show prospectus.
- All entries must be submitted through MFA’s online entry system.
- Images of accepted works may be used indefinitely at the sole discretion of MFA for promotional purposes including but not limited to the invitation, catalog, website, promotions and social media. Image will include attribution whenever possible.
- Discounted member entry fees are only available to current MFA members. Non-members may join by paying the membership fee first, and then receive the discounted member entry. Non-member entrants who have a discrepancy between the entry fee paid and their membership status must pay the difference before the entry deadline date or the work will not be shown to the juror.
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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 Equity and Diversity and (b) MFA’s General Guidelines.
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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.
Sales
- All work entered into any exhibition must be for sale unless prior agreements are made, and marked either with a price or POR for Price On Request.
- MFA processes all sales, no exceptions. Payment from sold work will be mailed to the artist 30 days after the close of the exhibition.
- The commission varies by show type and is announced through the open call. To qualify for the membership commission as stated in the prospectus, the artist must be a member at the time of sale.
- Sale of artwork is taxable, and all Maryland sales tax processing will be handled by MFA.
- Sold artwork requiring shipment will be handled by MFA with costs collected from buyer. Buyers will be asked if the work may be retained until the exhibit ends. If the buyer disagrees, MFA will release the work to the buyer, and the artist will be informed. No replacement works may be displayed.
- MFA asks that artists donate 20% from any sale made through a direct referral from MFA within three months of the show closing. All donations are used to help defray operating costs of MFA and are tax-deductible by the artists to the full extent of the law.
Work
- A maximum of 6 original works created within the past three years may be entered, unless otherwise specified for a particular exhibit.
- Works in a juried show may be exhibited at a given location only once.
- Maximum artwork sizes are specific to an exhibition and are shown in the entry application and prospectus.
- 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.
- No works produced in multiple quantities are accepted, unless produced from the original means by the artist’s hand and doesn’t exist in another medium. Editions must be signed and numbered.
- Work may incorporate audio or sound recording not created by the artist if the artist obtains the same from an open source or has permission to use, distribute, and sell the audio or sound recording. To the extent possible, the artist shall credit the original creator of the audio or sound recording in the description of the media. The artist indemnifies MFA from any loss or damage sustained by MFA due to artist’s failure to comply with any copyright laws regarding such audio or sound recording.
Presentation Guidelines
MFA strives to provide a professional exhibition space and requires artists to present their artwork professionally as well. The work must conform to the following standards unless otherwise stated for a particular exhibition. Artwork will not be accepted or installed if misrepresented, or improperly presented per the guidelines below.
- Two-dimensional (2D) work must be suitably framed (clip frames not allowed) and under glass or Plexiglass when appropriate (Plexiglass must be on work over 24”x 24”).
- Canvases or panels must be framed. Exceptions include canvases that are gallery-wrapped with a depth of 1” or greater, with well-finished painted or pristine edges. Mats, if used, must be well cut and clean. Canvases that are shallower than 1” must be framed.
- All prints, including photographic prints must be signed and numbered, and include a certificate or label of authenticity.
- All work must be equipped for safe installation; gallery personnel will determine safety.
- Works considered too fragile for handling by gallery personnel will not be accepted.
- All wall and suspended work must be equipped with a secure wire hanging system. MFA does not supply framing, hardware, or wire.
- Canvases or panels must be securely and safely attached to the frame.
- Coordination with the Gallery is required for installation work.
- Artwork or display materials to be directly affixed to the wall must have gallery approval and artist must provide their own hardware.
- Artist with works requiring electrical outlets or other special considerations should consult with the gallery prior to application.
- The Gallery has limited numbers of display materials for three-dimensional (3D) work; please discuss with the gallery prior to application.
- The artist is responsible for special security of artwork, such as jewelry.
- When 2D or 3D work is unusually heavy or difficult to handle, timely assistance may be required of the artist. Prior notice is required for any 3D works exceeding 50 pounds, and 2D work exceeding 20 pounds to ensure gallery floor or wall can bear weight load. 3D work must fit through a standard single door.
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Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork or frame, cannot exceed 72″ in any direction. Artist may be asked to assist with the installation of oversized work (greater than 60″ or over 40 lbs).
- Bin art, when allowed, must be firmly backed, and shrink-wrapped or enclosed in an art quality, self-sealing plastic sleeve that is appropriately sized, with a label attached to the non-viewing side that includes name, title, medium and price.