Strokes of Genius

Now Open for Entry

Deadline to Enter is January 6, 2027

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 Strokes of Genius

A painter creates with head, heart, and hand. Through the sweep and cadence of brush or knife, the hand gives form to everything held within the artist’s mind and heart. Physical strength and emotional tenderness, intensity and subtlety, are translated into marks upon paper and canvas, transforming gesture into expression. The brushstroke becomes the artist’s voice—a language without words that carries thought, feeling, and presence across time, inviting each viewer into a conversation that continues long after the paint has dried.

Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) is excited to resurrect this exhibition and invites all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, and Mexico to enter this all-painting competition, Strokes of Genius. All original 2D work created through any painting media (oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic, etc.) and following entry guidelines will be considered. MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Work selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery from March 3 – 27, 2027.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Glen Kessler, Artist and Founder of The Compass Atelier

Glen Kessler is an internationally collected and awarded artist as well as the founder of The Compass Atelier in Rockville, MD, Compass Art Center in Kensington, MD, and inventor of The Painters Compass Color Wheel. Kessler has a MFA from New York Academy of Art and a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. His works have graced the cover of ‘Professional Artist Magazine’ and in ‘The Artists’ Magazine’ among other publications. He has work in the public collections of King Charles III, Amazon Web Services, Ford’s Theater, Capital One Bank, Dominion Bank, as well as hundreds of private collections around the world. He is a 2-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Grant for Outstanding Figurative Art, a Prince of Wales Fellow, and a Maryland State Arts Council Grant awardee. He is also a life-long teacher, having taught at Maryland Institute College of Art, George Washington University, George Mason University, and others. In 2013 he founded The Compass Atelier in Rockville, MD in order to teach a cohesive curriculum of artistic study of his own design. The school and its unique curriculum are proving to be a game-changer taking students, many of whom had little to no prior experience, to a professional practice in just 3 years of part-time study. Recent graduates have gone on to earn top prizes, regularly sell their work, and gain gallery representation. Then in 2024 to better suit the ever-growing needs of the local art community The Compass Atelier expanded into a full-fledged art center, Compass Art Center located in Kensington, MD, with 5 classrooms for children and adults, 2 galleries, and 16 artist studios.

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 $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 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.
• MFA does not accept work created via image-generative AI. No reproduced artwork will be 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

• Artist members will retain 75% from sales. MFA will retain 25% commission 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

• Nov 3  Online Entry Opens for Submissions
• Jan 6 Entry Deadline
• Feb 4 Notification @ 5 PM
• Feb 24 – 28  Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM
• Mar 3 Exhibition Opens
• Mar 3  Virtual Awards Ceremony @ 5:30 PM
• Mar 27  Last Day of Exhibition; In-Person Reception at MFA Circle Gallery 4 – 6 PM
• Mar 28 – 31 Pick Up Hand-Delivered Work 11 AM – 4 PM
• Apr 1 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.

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.