Closed for Entry

Deadline to Enter was October 21, 2026

Winner will be announced at the reception on November 12 from 5 – 7 PM!

 

Introducing the EYC Lights Parade Poster Competition

Join a cherished Annapolis holiday tradition! Each year on the second Saturday of 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 Lights Parade.

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 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 2026 Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade and reproduced on posters, note cards, and other promotional materials. All entries will be showcased in MFA’s Online Gallery after the reveal party in November through December 31, 2026. A People’s Choice Award will be announced on December 17 at 5 PM.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

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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 Poster Competition winner will be selected by a committee from Eastport Yacht Club. Eastport Yacht Club will award $2,500 to the chosen artist.
  • The artist with the highest number of votes in the People’s Choice Gallery will receive a $70 one-year MFA Membership.

Work

  • All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist’s hand. MFA does not accept work created via image-generative AI. No reproduced artwork will be accepted.
  • 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.
  • NEW!! Minimum size of work based off of edges of the artwork should not be less than 24” in one direction by 18” in the other direction.
  • Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork and frame, cannot exceed 36” in any direction.

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 will retain 20% commission (15% for MFA 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 23 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Oct 21 Entry Deadline
  • Nov 12 EYC Lights Parade Poster Competition Winner Announced
  • Nov 13 Exhibition Opens Online; People’s Choice Voting Opens
  • Dec 16 People’s Choice Voting Closes at Midnight
  • Dec 17 People’s Choice Award Announced at 5 PM
  • Dec 31 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.