Now Open for Entry

Deadline to Enter is October 21, 2026

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

Please click the button above to enter this show on ArtCall.org. You will need to create a free account to enter your work.

We are using a new entry platform, that uses different terminology than you might be used to seeing. In ArtCall:

• You will be asked to pay for the number of artworks you’ll be uploading in advance. You can add more later.

• The word “application” means artwork, so one application is one work of art.

• “Attachments” means images of the artwork, you can upload up to 2 images. You do not need to pay extra for attachments.

For first time users, we recommend the following resources:

• The video tutorial linked on the call for entry page.
• Our blog post that walks you through the entry process step-by-step.
• Our FAQ section.

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.

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.

Terms of Entry

• Entry is open to artists residing in any of the states or territories of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• 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 Equality 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. Work delivered must correspond with the image(s) submitted to the juror.
• 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.
• Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event.

Liability

• 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

• Awards designated by the juror total $500.

Entry Requirements

• All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. File size may be no more than 10 MB. Images for the juror must correspond with the actual work. MFA does not display watermarks; artists display them at their own risk.
• For video submissions: you must put the link to the video in the Linked Web Resource field, and then upload a still frame from the video. For accepted video submissions, you will be expected to deliver the file to MFA on a thumbdrive.

Entry Fee

• 1 or 2 entries $45 (MFA Members $30). Up to 4 additional entries $6.75 each (MFA Members $4.50). Entry fees are non-refundable.

Work

• All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist’s hand. A maximum of 6 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 Virtual Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.
• There is no size limit for online exhibitions.

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 $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.
• Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).

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

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.