Now Open for Entry

Deadline to Enter is February 4, 2026

Online Entry System

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 Reflecting

Reflections can appear in many different forms – they can be both literal or metaphorical. Reflections found in shop windows, still ponds, or on faces in mirrors can surprise and delight. The physical nature of light reflects changes in appearances and reveals unexpected sensations. Reflections can also be internal; emotional, cerebral, or spiritual, bringing back memories or causing new ways of thinking that could change the world or just stay personal. Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists to show us what reflecting means to them.  All original 2D or 3D artwork in any media is eligible for this show. Works selected by the juror will be on display in MFA’s Circle Gallery, from April 1 – 25, 2025.

Click this icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus.

Juror: Nataliya Gurshman, Artist and Adjunct Art Faculty

I am a professional fine artist and art professor whose creative journey began in the cold, snowy climate of Leningrad in the former Soviet Union. Having grown up surrounded by long winters, I developed an enduring love for snow; it remains a source of joy and inspiration for me. My years living in Boston and New York City only deepened this affection, as their winters felt like a return to my roots.

My artistic training began at the age of eight. A close neighbor and family friend, then a student at an art college, generously offered to mentor me. Under his guidance, I spent countless hours painting flowers and other still-life arrangements he carefully prepared. Eight years my senior, he was both a mentor and an early artistic influence, and our friendship continues to enrich my creative life today. Encouraged by my parents, I later enrolled in an elite art high school within the Art Academy of Leningrad. After immigrating to the United States as Jewish refugees 35 years ago, my formal art education continued, evolving alongside my artistic voice.

In addition to my studio practice in oil painting, I am deeply committed to arts education. I serve as an adjunct professor across several institutions in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region—including Georgetown University, George Mason University, Marymount University, and Northern Virginia Community College—where I often teach up to six courses per semester. Beyond the university setting, I mentor the next generation of artists by teaching pre-college portfolio development classes and offering private instruction throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Through both my artistic work and my teaching, I strive to foster creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.

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 $1,000.

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 at MFA Circle Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.
  • Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork or frame, cannot exceed 72″ in any direction. Artists may be asked to assist with the installation of oversized work (greater than 60″ or over 40 lbs.).

Sales

  • Artists will retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 30% commission (25% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA.
  • Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).

Exhibition Schedule

  • Dec 2 Online Entry Opens for Submissions
  • Feb 4 Entry Deadline @ 11:59 PM
  • Mar 5 Notification @ 5 PM
  • Mar 27 – 29 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Apr 1 Exhibition Opens
  • Apr 2 Annapolis Art Walk Reception 5 – 8 PM
  • Apr 3 Virtual Awards Ceremony from 4 – 5 PM via Zoom
  • Apr 25 Last Day of the Exhibition; Closing Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM
  • Apr 26 – 27 Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Apr 30 Shipped Work Will Be Sent

NOTE: Should Circle Gallery be closed for reasons beyond our control, MFA reserves the right to move a planned physical exhibit to our online gallery.

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.