Banner Detail: Suffocation, oil on canvas, Katarina Russell for MFA’s In Contrast 2025

Notification will be made on November 19, 2026

Will be on display in MFA’s Virtual Gallery from December 15, 2026 – February 14, 2027

Awards will be announced on January 7, 2027 at 5 PM

Introducing In Contrast

Contrast is a dynamic force in artistic expression, shaping perception, guiding emotion, and commanding attention. Whether through striking juxtapositions of light and dark, bold complementary hues, or the interplay of texture and form, contrast heightens impact and deepens meaning. It is a tool that artists have long used to create tension, harmony, and visual intrigue.

From the stark chiaroscuro of the Baroque to the electrifying oppositions in Fauvist color, contrast has played a defining role in art history. Op Art relies on optical contrast to create movement, while contemporary artists push boundaries by manipulating digital and material contrasts to challenge perception and provoke thought. In fashion and design, contrast is a marker of sophistication, think the enduring elegance of black and white or the rebellious clash of punk aesthetics. This exhibition explores contrast in its many forms, color, light, texture, subject, and concept. We invite artists working in all mediums to submit works that harness contrast as a powerful tool of artistic expression.

 Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Entry is open to all artists from around the world, with exception of sanctioned countries. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s In Contrast exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from December 15, 2026 – February 14, 2027.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Sena Clara Creston, Interactive Installation Artist and Associate Professor of Media Arts at Sonoma State University

Sena Clara Creston is an interactive installation artist whose work focuses on the impact of light, movement, and material; and reflects our relationship with the natural in an increasingly mediated world. Creston learned to see the beauty of everything growing up in a family of artists in New York City and studying Photography and Imaging at NYU. She progressed to interactive installations, receiving an MFA in Electronic Arts from RPI. Creston is an associate professor of media arts at Sonoma State University whose work has been presented internationally, including IEEE, Borealis, LoFi, TEDx, Treefort, The Wassaic Project, CICA Museum, Triton Museum of Art, Museum of Sonoma County, and Jundt Art Museum.

Juror’s Statement

To be published with the awards on January 7, 2027 at 5 PM.

Awards

Awards designated by the juror total $500.

Information for Accepted Artists

Exhibition Schedule

Exhibition Schedule

  • August 25 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • October 21 Entry Deadline @ 11:59 PM
  • November 19 Notification @ 5 PM
  • December 15 Exhibition Opens
  • January 7, 2027 Awards Announced @ 5 PM
  • February 14, 2027 Last Day of the Exhibition

Liability

Liability

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

Sales

Sales

  • MFA’s Virtual 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 $35 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. The sale of artwork is taxable, and all sales tax processing will be handled by MFA. Artists will be responsible for fulfillment of sales.
  • MFA processes all sales, no exceptions. Payment from sold work will be mailed to the artist 30 days after the close of the exhibition.
  • 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 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.