Digital Explorations

About the Open Call

Computer software and technology have significantly expanded artistic creation. The Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) is hosting its 4th annual Digital Explorations exhibition, open to all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico. The exhibition considers any original 2D or 3D image-based work created and/or produced through digital software, including 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. The exhibition co-chairs are Emil Petruncio and Erica Krieger. The juror for this opportunity is Andy Holtin, Professor of Extended Media at American University. Holtin, who holds an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, creates performative objects and interactive installations, often exploring mechanism as a metaphor for human experience. His work has been exhibited internationally and nationally. Terms of Entry: Entry is open to artists residing in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Submission implies agreement with MFA’s Statement of Equity and Diversity and General Guidelines. Work must meet exhibition guidelines, and MFA may use images of accepted works for promotional purposes with attribution. Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the exhibition. MFA will handle artwork with care but is not responsible for loss or damage; insurance is the artist's responsibility. Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. Entry Requirements: All work must be uploaded through artcall.org; file size no more than 10 MB. Images for the juror must correspond with the actual work. For video submissions, a link must be provided in the Linked Web Resource field, and a still frame uploaded. Accepted video submissions require delivery of the file on a thumbdrive. Work: All entries must be original, completed solely by the artist, and created within the past 3 years. A maximum of 6 original works may be entered. Work previously exhibited at MFA Circle Gallery is not eligible. Maximum size, including frame, cannot exceed 72″ in any direction. Artists may need to assist with oversized work installation. Sales: Artists retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members), while MFA retains 30% commission (25% for MFA Members). Work must be for sale, though Price on Request (POR) is an option. Exhibition Schedule: Online Entry Opens Sept 23, Entry Deadline Nov 26. Notification is Dec 17 @ 5 PM. Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery Jan 23 – 25. Exhibition Opens Jan 28. Virtual Awards Ceremony Feb 1 @ 4 PM. Last Day of Exhibition Feb 28; In-Person Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM. Pick Up Hand-Delivered Work Mar 1 – 2. Shipped Work Will Be Sent Mar 8. Note: Should Circle Gallery be closed, MFA reserves the right to move a planned physical exhibit to its online gallery. Notification: All entrants will receive notification by email. Accepted artists will also be posted on MFA’s website. Artists are advised to recognize amani@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org in their email settings.

What is Offered

Exhibition in MFA’s Circle Gallery, awards totaling $1,000, and opportunity for art sales with a 70-75% commission for artists.

Requirements

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 with the stated conditions, MFA’s Statement of Equity and Diversity, and MFA’s General Guidelines. Work must meet exhibition guidelines and correspond with submitted images. Images of accepted works may be used for promotional purposes. Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event. All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. File size no more than 10 MB. 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. Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork or frame, cannot exceed 72″ in any direction.

How to Apply

To enter the show, click the provided button to access the ArtCall.org online entry system. A free account is required to submit work. Applicants will pay for the number of artworks (referred to as “applications”) in advance; additional works can be added later. Each “application” signifies one work of art. Up to two “attachments” (images of the artwork) can be uploaded per work without extra cost. First-time users are recommended to consult the video tutorial on the call for entry page, the MFA blog post guiding the ArtCall entry process, and the FAQ section. All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. For video submissions, the video link must be placed in the Linked Web Resource field, and a still frame uploaded.