Notification will be made on March 5, 2026

Deadline to enter was February 4, 2026

Virtual Awards Ceremony will be April 3, 2026 from 4 – 5 PM via Zoom

Introducing Reflecting

Reflections can appear in many different forms – they can be both literal or metaphorical. Reflections found in shop windows, still ponds, or on faces in mirrors can surprise and delight. The physical nature of light reflects changes in appearances and reveals unexpected sensations. Reflections can also be internal; emotional, cerebral, or spiritual, bringing back memories or causing new ways of thinking that could change the world or just stay personal. Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists to show us what reflecting means to them.  All original 2D or 3D artwork in any media is eligible for this show. Works selected by the juror will be on display in MFA’s Circle Gallery, from April 1 – 25, 2026. Exhibition Chair: Emil Petruncio

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Nataliya Gurshman, Artist and Adjunct Art Faculty

I am a professional fine artist and art professor whose creative journey began in the cold, snowy climate of Leningrad in the former Soviet Union. Having grown up surrounded by long winters, I developed an enduring love for snow; it remains a source of joy and inspiration for me. My years living in Boston and New York City only deepened this affection, as their winters felt like a return to my roots.

My artistic training began at the age of eight. A close neighbor and family friend, then a student at an art college, generously offered to mentor me. Under his guidance, I spent countless hours painting flowers and other still-life arrangements he carefully prepared. Eight years my senior, he was both a mentor and an early artistic influence, and our friendship continues to enrich my creative life today. Encouraged by my parents, I later enrolled in an elite art high school within the Art Academy of Leningrad. After immigrating to the United States as Jewish refugees 35 years ago, my formal art education continued, evolving alongside my artistic voice.

In addition to my studio practice in oil painting, I am deeply committed to arts education. I serve as an adjunct professor across several institutions in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region—including Georgetown University, George Mason University, Marymount University, and Northern Virginia Community College—where I often teach up to six courses per semester. Beyond the university setting, I mentor the next generation of artists by teaching pre-college portfolio development classes and offering private instruction throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Through both my artistic work and my teaching, I strive to foster creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.

Juror’s Statement

To be published with the awards on April 4.

Awards

Awards designated by the juror total $1,000.

Information for Accepted Artists

Exhibition Schedule

Exhibition Schedule:

  • Dec 2 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Feb 4 Entry Deadline @ 11:59 PM
  • Mar 5 Notification @ 5 PM
  • Mar 27 – 29 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Apr 1 Exhibition Opens
  • Apr 2 Annapolis Art Walk Reception 5 – 8 PM
  • Apr 3 Virtual Awards Ceremony from 4 – 5 PM via Zoom
  • Apr 25 Last Day of the Exhibition; Closing Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM
  • Apr 26 – 27 Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Apr 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.

Delivery and Shipping

Delivery

  • All work delivered to the gallery must have the following information affixed to the non-viewing side of artwork:
    • Artist Name
    • Address, phone number, and email
    • Title of the work, medium and price. Be specific with medium descriptions (e.g., oil on canvas, not oil; archival ink jet print, not photography or digital print; oil pastel on paper, not pastel; etc.)
    • Name of the show in which the work will be displayed
  • Work must arrive on scheduled dates.
  • Paintings must be dry.
  • Measure to ensure work meets size limitations before delivery, include outer edges of frames. Work not in compliance will not be exhibited. No exceptions.
  • If work requires assembly, please include instructions with visuals.
  • All shipped work must include a bar-coded return shipping label. Do not send by United States Postal Service (USPS). We prefer UPS but accept FedEx. No shipping peanuts allowed.
  • If you have specific packing/repacking instructions please include them in the shipping box.
  • Tips on shipping can be viewed on the RedDotBlog

Pickup and Storage

Pickup and Storage

  • When the exhibit ends, unless specified otherwise, you may pick up your work no earlier than 6:00 pm on the closing day of the exhibit (at end of the closing reception).
  • You must pick up your work within 48 hours of the closing day of the exhibit, or notify the gallery if you will be late.
  • Unless previous arrangements have been made, work placed in storage after scheduled pickup dates will be subject to a fine of $10.00 per piece, per week. Work left in storage longer than two (2) weeks shall become MFA property and may be disposed of, or used for fundraising purposes. There are no exceptions.

Liability

Liability

All work will be handled with all possible care, but pieces submitted for the exhibition are at the artist’s risk. In the event of damage or theft, MFA will not be held liable. If insurance is desired, the artist must carry it.

Sales

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.
  • 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.
  • The sale of artwork is taxable and all sales tax processing will be handled by MFA.
  • Sold artwork requiring shipment will be handled by MFA with costs collected from the buyer. Buyers will be asked if the work may be retained until the exhibit ends. If the buyer disagrees, the Gallery will let the work go, 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. All donations are used to help defray operating costs of the Maryland Federation of Art and are tax-deductible by the artists to the full extent of the law.

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.