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. Juror: 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. Terms of Entry: - 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 MFA’s Statement of Equity and Diversity and General Guidelines. Work must meet exhibition guidelines. - Images of accepted works may be used for promotional purposes with attribution. - Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event. Liability: Artwork will be handled with care. MFA is not responsible or liable for loss or damage; artists must carry their own insurance if desired. 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 Notification: 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.

What is Offered

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

Requirements

Entry is open to artists residing in any of the states or territories of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Any original 2D or 3D image-based work created and/or produced through digital software and following exhibition guidelines will be considered. This includes digitally produced photography, digital painting, illustration, graphic design, digital video, and projection. 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 or frame, cannot exceed 72″ in any direction. Artists may be asked to assist with installation of oversized work (greater than 60″ or over 40 lbs.). File size for uploaded images may be no more than 10 MB.

How to Apply

All work must be uploaded through ArtCall.org. Applicants will need to create a free account. Payment for the number of artworks will be requested in advance. In ArtCall, 'application' means artwork (one application is one work of art), and 'attachments' means images (up to 2 images per artwork, no extra charge). For video submissions, applicants must put the link to the video in the Linked Web Resource field and upload a still frame. Resources for first-time users include a video tutorial, MFA’s blog post guide to ArtCall, and the FAQ section on ArtCall.org.