Spatial 2026

Description

Spatial 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.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.Spatial Promotional Video
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.

Prospectus

Exhibition Schedule:

Feb 17 Online Entry Opens for SubmissionsApr 22 Entry DeadlineMay 21 Notification by Email @ 5 PMJun 15 Exhibition OpensJul 1 Awards Announced @ 5 PMAug 13 Last Day of Exhibition

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 all artists internationally
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 In our Virtual Gallery with the last three years is not eligible for re-entry.

   
Sales

MFA’s Virtual Sales Gallery is provided to North American artists to sell their work. Only artists in the 48 contiguous United States may set a price. MFA will reimburse up to $40 in shipping costs to those artists for online sales shipments if a receipt is provided. All other artists must enter Price on Request (POR) and purchase inquiries will be referred by MFA to the artist.Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 20% commission (15% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA. The sale of artwork is taxable, and all sales tax processing will be handled by MFA. Artists will be responsible for fulfillment of sales.MFA asks that artists donate 20% from any sale made through a direct referral from MFA within three months. All donations are used to help defray operating costs of Maryland Federation of Art and are tax-deductible by the artists to the full extent of the law.

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.