Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invited all MFA Members residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, and Mexico to enter our Spring Member Show 2023. Any original 2D or 3D work was considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery from May 3 – 27, 2023. Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus. In 1991, David Carter began teaching for The Art League School of Alexandria and was an adjunct professor of art at Montgomery College (MC) in Germantown, MD. In 2001, he became a full-time professor of Art at MC, where he also served as department chair from 2008-2014, and continues as Associate Professor. At MC, Carter typically teaches courses in drawing, design, color theory, painting, and art history, and also continues to teach a variety of courses for The Art League. His work, primarily oil painting and drawing, has been exhibited in solo and group shows on the east coast and across the country. He has completed numerous public and private mural commissions in different parts of the US and worked intermittently as an illustrator, photographer, and graphic designer. Carter received his BFA from James Madison University in 1981 and his MFA from American University in 1988. His work can be viewed at dbcarterart.com.
In choosing the works selected for this exhibit I was advised to consider “stickiness.” It’s an excellent word, and comes surprisingly close to naming that ineffable quality you’ve noticed when a work of art – after hours, days, or even weeks – seems to linger and come provocatively back to mind. In other words, it has stuck with you. With or without a rationale, with or without a justification in “art-speak,” it made an enduring impression on you. This is what you came for. And it’s what I looked for in my selections. It can show right away, or take time and repeated views before it comes into focus. It’s often found, shining in a peculiar, unexpected way, in a piece you find many other reasons for not liking. As I viewed, reviewed, and then re-reviewed the submissions for this show I saw familiar “types” and time-honored visual strategies I recognize from decades of looking at art. I saw a range of technical finesse and craftsmanship, and I saw stylistic diversity in both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional media. None of these characteristics, by themselves, were the determining factor. I was in search of stickiness. And I found it in the 65 pieces in this exhibit. That may sound like a lot, but it’s a relatively small percentage of the total work submitted, and the artists represented by these selections have my admiration. Of course what MUST be understood is the fact these works are the ones that stuck to me. I trusted whatever wisdom my interest and experience provided me in making many difficult choices. Nothing more, nothing less. To ALL the MFA artists: thank you for your interest, effort, and enthusiasm. And STICK with it!! Juror’s Choice Honorable Mentions Conley Award
*Award contributors and recipients will also be listed in the exhibition catalog.
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
Pickup and Storage
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
All entrants will be sent notice by email. If you have unsubscribed from MFA emails, you will not receive notification. The notice to accepted artists will include specific details and could vary from the prospectus. A list of accepted artists and artwork will also be posted on MFA’s website. Please set your email account to recognize this address: notification@mdfedart.org. Contact Circle Gallery if you do not receive notice.
Introducing the Spring Member Show
Juror: David Carter, Associate Professor of Art at Montgomery College
Juror’s Statement
Awards
Information for Accepted Artists
Exhibition Schedule
Exhibition Schedule:
Delivery and Shipping
Pickup and Storage
Liability
Sales
Notification