Banner Detail: These Dead Shall Not Have Died in Vain, reduction linocut, serigraphy, monotype, Barbara Matthews, from MFA’s Imprint 2025 Exhibition

Notification will be made on May 28 at 5 PM

Deadline to enter was April 29, 2026

 

Introducing America at 250: Be Revolutionary!

America’s Declaration of Independence marked a political and social revolution – the creation of a nation based on the ideals of natural rights, equality, and government by consent of the governed. “Be Revolutionary” is a dynamic exhibition created in honor of America at 250, celebrating two and a half centuries of bold ideas, cultural shifts, and transformative voices. We seek works that capture the essence of American history and cultural identity, challenge assumptions, and spark dialogue.

We invite creative interpretations in all media that pay tribute to 250 years of struggle and triumph in the pursuit of a more perfect union. Artists are encouraged to explore how social, political, personal, and artistic revolution continues to shape the American story today. “Be Revolutionary” will call audiences to reflect on the past, confront the present, and imagine the next era of American possibility.

MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico to enter. Any original 2D and 3D artwork in any media will be considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in Circle Gallery from June 25 – July 25. 

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Lisa Lipinski, Art Historian

Lisa Lipinski is art historian and specialist in the fields of modern and contemporary art. She teaches courses in the history and theory of photography, 19th and 20th-century art in Latin America, the United States, and Europe, and Art Historiography. She has taught seminars on the history of exhibitions, the art of Marcel Duchamp and the Harlem Renaissance. Her education research is focused on pedagogy and assessment in higher education, and developing students’ skills in research and writing.

She has worked in major art museums: the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Phillips Collection and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She provides regular guest lectures on art and diplomacy for the Foreign Service Institute, U.S. Department of State. Dr. Lipinski is also a licensed D.C. tour guide and a member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides, Washington, D.C. She is currently working on a book titled: Made in America: American Art and American Identity at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

Juror Statement

  • To be announced with the awards on June 26 at 5PM

Awards

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

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).

Exhibition Schedule:

  • Feb 24 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Apr 29 Entry Deadline
  • May 28 Notification @ 5 PM
  • Jun 17 – 21 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery from 12 – 4 PM
  • Jun 25 Exhibition Opens
  • Jun 25 Virtual Awards Ceremony from 5:30 – 6:30 PM via Zoom
  • July 25 Last Day of the Exhibition and Closing Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM
  • July 26 – 27 Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work from 11 AM – 4 PM
  • July 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.

General Guidelines

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.

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.