Transformed

About the Open Call

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. Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. Exhibition Schedule: Jun 17 Online Entry Opens for Submissions; Sep 3 Entry Deadline @ 11:59 PM; Oct 2 Notification @ 5 PM; Oct 21 – 25 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 or any other exhibition space 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 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. Shipped work must include a bar-coded shipping label; UPS/FedEx preferred, no USPS or shipping peanuts. Affix packing/repacking instructions to OUTSIDE of the shipping box. Pickup and Storage: Work may not be removed early. Artists may pick up on specified dates. 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. Liability: All work handled with care, but pieces are at the artist’s risk. MFA will not be held liable for damage or theft. Artist must carry insurance if desired. Sales: All work must be for sale (or POR). Artists retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members). MFA retains 30% commission (25% for MFA Members). MFA handles sales tax. Sold artwork requiring shipment handled by MFA, costs collected from buyer. Buyers will be asked if work may be retained until exhibit ends. MFA asks that artists donate 20% from any sale made through a direct referral from MFA within three months.

What is Offered

Awards totaling $1,000. Artists retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members).

Requirements

All original 2D or 3D work following entry guidelines will be considered. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited. Work must arrive on scheduled dates. Paintings must be dry. Measure to ensure work meets size limitations before delivery, including outer edges of frames. Work not in compliance with the exhibition guidelines and MFA’s General Guidelines will not be exhibited. Work delivered must correspond with the images submitted to the juror. All shipped work must include a bar-coded shipping label. Do not send by United States Postal Service (USPS). UPS or FedEx preferred. No shipping peanuts allowed. Please affix packing/repacking instructions to the OUTSIDE of the shipping box. 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.

How to Apply

Online Entry Opens for Submissions. View and print the downloadable prospectus for specific entry guidelines. 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. Contact Circle Gallery if you do not receive notice by 6 PM on the day of notification.