Reflecting 2026

Description

Reflecting 2026
Introducing ReflectingReflections 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.
Juror: Nataliya Gurshman, Artist and Adjunct Art FacultyI 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.
Prospectus 
Exhibition Schedule:
Dec 2 Online Entry Opens for SubmissionsFeb 4 Entry DeadlineMar 5 Notification @ 5 PMMar 25 – 29 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery from 12 – 4 PMApr 1 Exhibition OpensApr 2 Annapolis Art Walk Reception 5 – 8 PMApr 3 Virtual Awards Ceremony from 4 – 5 PM via ZoomApr 25 Last Day of the Exhibition and Closing Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PMApr 26 – 27 Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work from 11 AM – 4 PMApr 30 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 the 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.

    
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.