Digital Directions 2026

Description

Digital Directions 2026

Introducing Digital Explorations

Computer software and technology have forever expanded the ways artists capture and produce their work. Artists can weave together scenes in photoshop, produce paintings through a screen, create videos, animations, and projections that transport us to new worlds, and sculpt with a 3D printer. Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico to enter our 4th annual Digital Directions exhibition. Any original 2D or 3D image based work created and/or produced through digital software and following exhibition guidelines will be considered. This includes, but is not limited to digitally produced photography, digital painting, illustration, graphic design, digital video and projection. Works selected will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery from January 28 – February 28, 2026. Exhibition Chair: Emil Petruncio.

Juror: Andy Holtin: Professor of Extended Media at American University

Andy Holtin received his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Sculpture and Extended Media program. His work uses technological systems to create performative objects and interactive installations, incorporating an exploratory range of materials and processes. Holtin currently works as half of the collaborative duo CausalityLabs, pursuing projects that explore mechanism as a metaphor for human experience and perception. His work has been exhibited internationally at locations including Galerie35, Berlin, Germany; Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo, Ecuador; Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo, Mexico City; Planetario Alfa Science and Culture Museum, Mexico; and nationally at museums, galleries, and universities from New York to Portland to Florida. Holtin teaches all levels of Sculpture, addressing traditional media as well as installation formats, kinetic and interactive systems, and digital audio and video.
Holtin’s current work and research focuses on the exploration of cognitive processes through the development of and interaction with performative objects in a form of sculptural theater. Using systems ranging from simple machines to interactive robotics, his works orchestrate events that ask us to scrutinize cause and effect and our assumptions about the objects and materials of our culture. He has particular interests in the history of the sciences and linguistics.

Prospectus
 

Exhibition Schedule:

Sept 23 Online Entry Opens for SubmissionsNov 26 Entry DeadlineDec 17 Notification @ 5 PMJan 23 – 25 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PMJan 28 Exhibition OpensFeb 1 Virtual Awards Ceremony @ 4 PMFeb 28Last Day of Exhibition; In-Person Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PMMar 1 – 2 Pick Up Hand-Delivered Work from 11 AM – 4 PMMar 8 Shipped Work Will Be Sent

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

User Entry Process Tutorial

Watch the video below for a tutorial on how to upload your entries.

How to Upload

Terms of Entry

   
Artist Conditions

Entry is open to artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, 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.

    
Entry Requirements

All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. File size may be no more than 10 MB.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, the artist will be expected to deliver the file to MFA on a thumbdrive.
To enter online, you will need an artcall.org account that includes an email address and a password. There is no charge to create an artcall.org account.Non-member entrants who have a discrepancy between the entry fee paid and their membership status must pay the difference before thedisplay date or their work will not be shown to the juror.

    
Work

Images for the juror must correspond with the actual 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.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 on any work sold through MFA (25% for MFA Members at the time of the sale).

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

FAQ

What is a submission?

One submission or application on artcall.org is the equivalent of one entry on MFA’s old entry system, or one piece submitted for jurying. Artcall.org uses the terms submission and application interchangeably.

How do I enter a video submission?

When submitting a video, you must put the link to the video in the Linked Web Resource field, and you must upload a screenshot of the video as an attachment.

Can I edit my submissions after I've submitted them? 

Artcall.org requires you to select the number of submissions / applications you want to enter and to pay before entering in your image and image details. You can edit your submission details along with images you've attached up until the submission period is over. Once the submission period has ended, you cannot edit their entries in any form.

Can I add more submissions after I've paid?

You must submit a separate submission / application for each piece of artwork you wish to be shown to the juror.  You have the option to add a second or third image of the same work to your submission / application as a detail photograph This is not required.

Have the entry fees changed at all?The fees have changed but not drastically, 1 or 2 entries are $30. Up to 4 additional entries are $4.50 each. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Who is this exhibition open to?

We invite all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico to enter this exhibition.