Transformed

About the Open Call

Introducing Transformed: Transformed is a thought-provoking art exhibition that explores the beauty and potential of repurposed materials, showcasing the ingenuity of artists who breathe new life into the discarded and forgotten. Through a series of sculptural works, installations, and mixed media pieces, this exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the objects that surround us, things we often overlook or cast aside and reframe them as sources of inspiration, narrative, and artistic expression. From industrial scraps to everyday household items, each artwork in Transformed is a testament to the idea that art doesn’t always come from new materials, but from reimagining what already exists. The exhibition features works that take seemingly mundane, used, and unwanted objects, such as old tools, broken electronics, recycled fabrics, and even trash, and repurpose them into stunning, thought-provoking compositions. Each piece in the show highlights the power of creativity to not only alter the physical form of these materials but to also shift their cultural and emotional significance. In Transformed , the artists challenge us to think about sustainability, consumption, and waste in a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint. The works in this exhibition reflect a commitment to the belief that through art, something as simple as a discarded object can tell a new, rich story, providing insight into the connections we have with the objects we use and the lives they have lived before finding their way into the artist’s hands.This exhibition is a celebration of resourcefulness, creativity, and the ever-present potential for renewal in our fast-paced, throwaway culture. As you walk through the gallery, you’ll discover how objects once considered obsolete or meaningless can be transformed into pieces of art that speak to our collective past, present, and future. All original 2D or 3D work following entry guidelines will be considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery from October 31 – November 22, 2025. Juror: Jaynie Crimmins: Paper Sculptor and Artist Using Quotidian Materials to Create New Narratives. Juror’s Statement: To be published with the awards on November 3rd. Awards: Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. Information for Accepted Artists: Exhibition Schedule: Sep 3 Entry Deadline @ 11:59 PM; Oct 2 Notification @ 5 PM; Oct 21 – 26 Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery 11 AM – 4 PM; Oct 31 Exhibition Opens; Nov 2 Virtual Awards Ceremony from 4 – 5 PM via Zoom; Nov 22 Last Day of the Exhibition; Closing Reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM; Nov 23 – 24 Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work 11 AM – 4 PM; Dec 4 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. Delivery: All work delivered to the gallery must have the following information affixed to the non-viewing side of the artwork: Artist Name, Address, phone number, and email, Title of the work, medium, and price. Be specific with medium descriptions (e.g., oil on hardboard or canvas, not oil; chromogenic print or archival inkjet print, not photography or digital print; oil pastel on paper, not pastel; etc.) Work must arrive on scheduled dates. Paintings must be dry. Measure to ensure work meets size limitations before delivery, include outer edges of frames. Work not in compliance will not be exhibited. No exceptions. All shipped work must include a bar-coded shipping label. Do not send by United States Postal Service (USPS). We prefer UPS but accept FedEx. No shipping peanuts allowed. Please affix packing/repacking instructions to OUTSIDE of the shipping box. Tips on shipping can be viewed on the RedDotBlog. Pickup and Storage: Work may not be removed from the exhibition early for any reason. Artists may pick up their work on the specified dates, or at 6 PM after the Closing Reception. Unless previous arrangements have been made, work placed in storage after announced pickup dates will be subject to a fine of $10 per piece, per week. Work left in storage longer than two (2) weeks shall become MFA property and may be disposed of, or used for fundraising purposes. There are no exceptions. Liability: All work will be handled with all possible care, but pieces submitted for the exhibition are at the artist’s risk. In the event of damage or theft, MFA will not be held liable. If insurance is desired, the artist must carry it. Sales: All work entered into any exhibition must be for sale unless prior agreements are made, and marked either with a price or POR for Price On Request. 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. The sale of artwork is taxable and all sales tax processing will be handled by MFA. Sold artwork requiring shipment will be handled by MFA with costs collected from the buyer. Buyers will be asked if the work may be retained until the exhibit ends. If the buyer disagrees, the Gallery will let the work go, and the artist will be informed. 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 the Maryland Federation of Art and are tax-deductible by the artists to the full extent of the law. Notification: 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

Exhibition, Prize money

Requirements

All original 2D or 3D work following entry guidelines will be considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery. Delivery requirements: All work delivered to the gallery must have Artist Name, Address, phone number, email, Title, medium, and price affixed to the non-viewing side. Work must arrive on scheduled dates and paintings must be dry. Work must meet size limitations, including frames. Shipped work must include a bar-coded shipping label, not sent by USPS (UPS/FedEx preferred). No shipping peanuts allowed. Affix packing/repacking instructions to OUTSIDE of the shipping box. All work entered must be for sale unless prior agreements are made, and marked either with a price or POR.

How to Apply

Refer to downloadable prospectus for application details.