Transformed

About the Open Call

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, a New York City based artist, creates alternative narratives by recycling quotidian materials. Her work has been shown at ART on PAPER NYC and exhibited internationally. Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. Exhibition Schedule: Entry Deadline: Sep 3 @ 11:59 PM. Notification: Oct 2 @ 5 PM. Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive: Oct 21 – 25, 11 AM – 4 PM. Exhibition Opens: Oct 31. Virtual Awards Ceremony: Nov 2, 4 – 5 PM via Zoom. Last Day of the Exhibition; Closing Reception: Nov 22, 4 – 6 PM. Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work: Nov 23 – 24, 11 AM – 4 PM. Shipped Work Will Be Sent: Dec 4. 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. 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. 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

Awards designated by the juror total $1,000. Artists will 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 in MFA’s Circle Gallery. All work delivered to the gallery must have the artist's name, address, phone number, email, title, medium (specific description), 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 outer edges of frames. All shipped work must include a bar-coded shipping label (UPS or FedEx preferred, no USPS, no shipping peanuts). Affix packing/repacking instructions to the OUTSIDE of the shipping box. Work may not be removed from the exhibition early. Unless previous arrangements are made, work left in storage after announced pickup dates will be subject to a $10 per piece, per week fine. Work left longer than two weeks becomes MFA property. Pieces submitted are at the artist’s risk; MFA will not be held liable for damage or theft. Artists are responsible for their own insurance if desired. All work entered must be for sale unless prior agreements are made, and marked with a price or POR (Price On Request).

How to Apply

Click the provided icon to view and print the downloadable prospectus for application details.