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. The juror for this exhibition is Andy Holtin, Professor of Extended Media at American University. Andy Holtin received his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Sculpture and Extended Media program. His work uses technological systems to create performative objects and interactive installations, incorporating an exploratory range of materials and processes. Holtin currently works as half of the collaborative duo CausalityLabs, pursuing projects that explore mechanism as a metaphor for human experience and perception. His work has been exhibited internationally and nationally. Holtin teaches all levels of Sculpture, addressing traditional media as well as installation formats, kinetic and interactive systems, and digital audio and video. Holtin’s current work and research focuses on the exploration of cognitive processes through the development of and interaction with performative objects in a form of sculptural theater. Using systems ranging from simple machines to interactive robotics, his works orchestrate events that ask us to scrutinize cause and effect and our assumptions about the objects and materials of our culture. He has particular interests in the history of the sciences and linguistics. Notification will be made on December 17th, 2025. A Virtual Awards Ceremony will be held on February 1, 2026, from 4 – 5 PM via Zoom. The exhibition concludes on February 28, 2026, with an in-person reception at MFA Circle Gallery from 4 – 6 PM.

What is Offered

Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. 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.

Requirements

Artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico are eligible to apply. 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 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.). Work must be for sale, or may be set to Price on Request (POR).

How to Apply

Online entry opens September 23, 2025. Artists are encouraged to view and print the downloadable prospectus for full guidelines and application details. All entrants will receive notification by email. Accepted artists will also be posted on MFA’s website. Please set your email account to recognize amani@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org.