In Contrast 2025

About the Open Call

Introducing In Contrast 2025: Contrast is a dynamic force in artistic expression, shaping perception, guiding emotion, and commanding attention. Whether through striking juxtapositions of light and dark, bold complementary hues, or the interplay of texture and form, contrast heightens impact and deepens meaning. It is a tool that artists have long used to create tension, harmony, and visual intrigue. From the stark chiaroscuro of the Baroque to the electrifying oppositions in Fauvist color, contrast has played a defining role in art history. Op Art relies on optical contrast to create movement, while contemporary artists push boundaries by manipulating digital and material contrasts to challenge perception and provoke thought. This exhibition explores contrast in its many forms, color, light, texture, subject, and concept. We invite artists working in all mediums to submit works that harness contrast as a powerful tool of artistic expression. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) first In Contrast Exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from December 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026. Juror: Marcie Cooperman, Professor in the Fashion Dept. at Parsons School of Design. Marcie has a multidisciplinary career in the areas of fashion design and academia, authorship, color theory, interior design, and fine art. She teaches various fashion-related and color theory classes at Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute of Design, and also teaches in China. She holds a Fashion Design degree and a Stern MBA. Exhibition Schedule: Online Entry Opens for Submissions on Aug 19. Entry Deadline is Oct 10. Notification is on Nov 20 at 5 PM. Exhibition Opens on Dec 15. Awards Announced on Jan 6 at 5 PM. Last Day of the Exhibition is Jan 31. NOTE: MFA reserves the right to move a planned physical exhibit to our online gallery if necessary. Terms of Entry: Entry is open to all artists internationally residing in the US, Canada, or Mexico. Entry indicates understanding and agreement with MFA’s Statement of Equity and Diversity and General Guidelines. Images of accepted works may be used for promotional purposes with attribution. Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event.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. Video submissions require a link in the Linked Web Resource field and a still frame upload. An artcall.org account (no charge) is required. Non-member entrants with fee discrepancies must pay the difference. 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 In our Virtual Gallery within the last three years is not eligible. Sales: Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 20% commission (15% for MFA Members) on work sold through MFA. Work must be for sale, or may be set to Price on Request (POR).

What is Offered

Opportunity to exhibit in MFA's Virtual Gallery, potential for art sales with 80% (or 85% for members) artist retention, and awards announcement.

Requirements

Entry is open to all artists internationally residing in the US, Canada, or Mexico. Works must be original 2D or 3D, created within the past 3 years, and not previously exhibited at MFA's Virtual Gallery within the last three years. A maximum of 6 original works can be entered. All submissions must be uploaded through artcall.org. Video submissions require a link and a still frame.

How to Apply

All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. To enter online, you will need an artcall.org account that includes an email address and a password. Watch the provided video tutorial on how to upload your entries. Submissions can be edited until the submission period ends. For video submissions, provide a link in the Linked Web Resource field and upload a still frame.