Banner detail, The Brilliant Strings, oil on linen panel, Paul Tambellini from MFA’s Spring Member Show 2025

Notification will be made on May 21 , 2026

On display in MFA’s Virtual Gallery June 15 – June 14, 2026

Introducing Spatial

Creating the right compositional balance is the challenge artists face with each work of art they create, regardless of the medium, style, or genre. The thoughtful use of negative space can be a powerful tool in shaping how we see and interpret the visual; it can provide either tension or serenity – sometimes evoking both in a single work of art. It adds meaning by showing us not only what is there, but what is not. The balance of spatial relationships between elements is a dance and can be expressed in countless ways: through stark contrast, geometrically, minimally, or using perspective to draw you to a single, central focal point. 3D artists demonstrate this dance by volume, and the space surrounding and through an object, or through activation between multiple objects. We invite artists to show us how they use spatial language in their art to get our attention in their own unique way.

MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Entry is open to all artists from around the world, with the exception of sanctioned countries. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. This includes works selected by the juror which will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) Spatial exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from June 15 – August 13, 2026. Show Chair: Patrice Drago.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Caryn Martin, Artist and Adjunct Professor at Maryland Institute College of Art

Caryn Martin, a Baltimore-based artist and educator, was a 2022 Finalist for the Trawick Contemporary Art Awards. She received MAT and MFA degrees from Maryland Institute College of Art, and has taught color theory, drawing, two-dimensional design, and introductory time-based media classes at various institutions. Martin has shown her work at Art on Paper, the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair, Catalyst Contemporary, Creative Alliance, Maryland Art Place, St. John’s College, Anne Arundel Community College, School 33, Institute of Contemporary Art Baltimore, and Gallery B in Bethesda, Maryland. She has also exhibited work at Sulphur Studios in Georgia, Broward College in Florida, and Marshall University in West Virginia. In recent years, she has participated in residencies at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, VCCA France in Auvillar, ACI Residency in Italy, and at Windy Mowing in Vermont.

Juror’s Statement

To be announced on July 1 with awards

Awards

• Cash awards presented by the juror total $500.

Liability

  • All work is blind juried. Artists’ name and identifying information is hidden from the juror. Watermarks are discouraged to endure blind jurying.
  • 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.

Sales

  • Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 20% commission (15% for MFA Members at the time of the sale) on and work sold through MFA.
  • Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).
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Exhibition Schedule

  • Feb 17 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Apr 22 Entry Deadline
  • May 21 Notification by Email @ 5 PM
  • Jun 15 Exhibition Opens
  • Jul 1 Awards Announced @ 5 PM
  • Aug 13 Last Day of Exhibition
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Notification

All artists will receive notification by email. Accepted artists and artwork will also be posted on MFA’s website. Artists who have unsubscribed from MFA’s emails will not receive notification.
The notice to accepted artists will include specific details and may vary from the prospectus.
Please set your email account to recognize eleanor@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org.