Digital Explorations

About the Open Call

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 exhibition dedicated to digitally-produced art. 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 co-chairs: Emil Petruncio and Erica Krieger. Notification will be made on December 17th, 2025. A Virtual Awards Ceremony will be February 1, 2026 from 4 – 5 PM via Zoom. Juror: Andy Holtin: Professor of Extended Media at American University. Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. 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.). 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: Sept 23 Online Entry Opens for Submissions, Nov 26 Entry Deadline, Dec 17 Notification @ 5 PM, Jan 23 – 25 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM, Jan 28 Exhibition Opens, Feb 1 Virtual Awards Ceremony @ 4 PM, Feb 28 Last Day of Exhibition; In-Person Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM, Mar 1 – 2 Pick Up Hand-Delivered Work from 11 AM – 4 PM, Mar 8 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. 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.

What is Offered

Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. Artists will retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members).

Requirements

Artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico. Any original 2D or 3D image-based work created and/or produced through digital software and following exhibition guidelines. 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.

How to Apply

Online entry opens on September 23. Refer to the downloadable prospectus for full application details.