Notification will be made January 29, 2026

On Display February 16 – April 14, 2026

Awards will be announced on March 2, 2026.

Introducing In The City

Skylines, crosswalks, alleyways and shops; bright lights, buses, taxis and crowds. These are just a small list of elements that create the essence of an urban environment. Some aspects of city life are universal and can represent any city, anywhere, from a large metropolis to a small town. Every city as well, has unique symbols and iconic places that signify the identity of the community, such as restaurants, festivals, music halls and graffiti. We welcome all artists to submit original work that gives us the sense of your urban experience. Whether you are an urbanite or a city visitor, give us a visual story of the city. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. Works selected by the Juror will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) second In the City Exhibition in our Virtual Gallery from February 16 – April 14, 2026.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Michael Dowley: Professor in the Studio Art department at Georgetown University

Michael Dowley lives and works in his native Northern Virginia. He has shown his art locally and nationally, including at Arlington Arts Center, Doris Mae, Art at Kings Oaks (PA), Blue Spiral (NC), Atlantic Gallery (NYC) and the Phillips Collection, Washington DC. His work has been selected for exhibition by William Bailey, Yale University, and Joan Young, Guggenheim Museum and Matthew Higgs, White Columns Art Registry. He was the recipient of a residency grant from Vermont Studio Center and from Art Week, Anina Porter, Fairfield Porter residency, Maine. He received his MFA in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design and his BA from Georgetown University. He is professor of painting and drawing at Northern Virginia Community College and a lecturer in Studio Art at Georgetown University.

Juror’s Statement

To be published with the awards on March 2, 2026.

Awards

Awards designated by the juror total $500.

Information for Accepted Artists

Exhibition Schedule

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 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. 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.

Exhibition Schedule

  • Oct 14 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Dec 17 Entry Deadline
  • Jan 29 Notification @ 5 PM
  • Feb 16 Exhibition Opens Online
  • Mar 2 Awards Announced @5 PM
  • Apr 14 Last Day of the Exhibition
General Guidelines

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 amani@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org. Contact Circle Gallery if you do not receive notice by 6 PM on the day of notification.