Now Open for Entry

Deadline to Enter is September 18, 2025

Online Entry System

If you do not have an account with MFA, you will be asked to create one during the entry process. Already have an account, but need to update your information? Update Now!

Introducing the EYC Lights Parade Poster Competition

Join a cherished Annapolis holiday tradition! Each year on the second Saturday in December, the harbor comes alive as boats adorned with thousands of twinkling lights glide through the night, crewed by festive participants in the Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) Lights Parade.

The Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) and EYC invite artists from across the United States and its territories to participate in our annual art competition. We welcome original two-dimensional artwork in any medium that follows MFA’s submission guidelines (see details below):

Artwork must feature an Annapolis landmark or the city skyline, include a festively decorated boat or boats, AND incorporate the EYC burgee.

The selected piece will be featured as the official image of the 2025 Lights Parade and reproduced on posters, t-shirts, and other promotional materials. All entries will be showcased in MFA’s Online Gallery from October 31 through December 19, 2025. A People’s Choice Award will be announced on November 21 at 5 PM.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Click this icon to view and download the EYC Burgee.

Terms of Entry and Artwork Requirements

  • Entry is open to all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US.
  • 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. Work must meet exhibition guidelines to be included in the event. MFA may determine work ineligible if entry guidelines are not
    followed.
  • Artwork must depict the following:
    • an Annapolis landmark or the Annapolis skyline, and
    • a festively decorated boat or boats, and
    • include the EYC burgee, which may be downloaded on the entry page.
    • Please reference the LP Art page at EYCLightsParade.org for prior years’ winning
      submissions
  • By submitting a piece of art for consideration:
    • The artist agrees she/he/they grant EYC an irrevocable license to use the piece, and copies of the piece, on various media in connection with promoting the Lights Parade
    • The artist of the piece selected in the 2025 competition will be deemed to have gifted the piece to EYC. EYC is a 501(c)(7) organization. Artists should consult with their tax advisor with respect to this gift.
  • EYC will contribute up to $125 toward framing of the winning piece. The winning piece is chosen by the EYC Lights Parade Committee to be the representational image of the 2025 Lights Parade.
  • The chosen artist shall work directly with EYC with respect to the delivery of the original piece of work.
  • 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.

Liability

  • MFA shall not be liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or inability to use, MFA’s online exhibition gallery.
  • 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

  • The EYC Lights Parade Art Competition winner will be selected by the EYC Lights Parade Art Committee.
  • EYC will award $500 to the chosen artist.
  • The artist with the highest number of votes in the MFA People’s Choice Gallery will
    receive a $70 one-year MFA Membership

Entry Requirements

  • All work must be entered by uploading JPEG images through MFA’s online entry system. Set pixel dimension between 1,500 and 3,000 pixels on the longest side. File size may be no more than 5 MB. Images must correspond with the actual work. MFA does not display water marks; artists display at their own risk. Visit mdfedart.com/portfolio/eyc/ to submit your work.
  • All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist’s hand. A maximum of two ) original works created within the past three (3) years may be entered. If artwork is part of a limited edition, please state total number in the edition.
  • Size requirements:
    • Minimum size of work based off of edges of the artwork should not be less than 24”
      in one direction by 30” in the other direction.
      o Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork and frame, cannot exceed 36” in
      any direction.

Entry Fee

  • 1 or 2 entries $10. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Work

  • All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist’s hand. A maximum of 2 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.
  • Work previously exhibited in MFA’s People’s Choice Voting Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.
  • Minimum size of work based off of edges of the artwork should not be less than 24” in one direction by 30” in the other direction. Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork and frame, cannot exceed 36” in any direction.
  • Work may not be withdrawn before the end of the event.

Sales

  • MFA’s Online Sales Gallery is provided to North American artists to sell their work. Only artists in the 48 contiguous United States may set a price.
  • MFA will reimburse up to $40 in shipping costs to those artists for online sales shipments if a receipt is provided. All other artists must enter Price on Request (POR) and purchase inquiries will be referred by MFA to the artist.
  • Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members). MFA retains 20% commission (15% for members) on any work sold through MFA. Artists will be responsible for fulfillment of sales.
  • Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).

Exhibition Schedule

  • Jul 15 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Sept 18 Entry Deadline
  • Oct 23 – 30 EYC Lights Parade Poster Competition Winner Announced
  • Oct 31 Exhibition Opens Online; People’s Choice Voting Opens
  • Nov 20 People’s Choice Voting Closes at Midnight
  • Nov 21 People’s Choice Award Announced at 5 PM
  • Dec 19 Last Day of Online Exhibition
General Guidelines

Notification

Artists who have unsubscribed from MFA’s emails will not receive information about this exhibition.
Emails to artists will include specific details and may vary from the prospectus.
Please set your email account to recognize notification@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org.