Everything Blue (2023)

The MVA Gallery (Modern Visual Arts) invites artists and photographers of all levels to submit original artwork to this exhibition. The theme explores Blue—a color with complex symbolic and psychological meanings. Blue conjures images of the sky and sea, representing freedom, intuition, imagination, trust, admiration, loyalty, and faith. It also reveals meanings of coldness, loneliness, and sadness. Artists are invited to explore how they utilize Blue in their work: Does it permeate the entire image or appear in small sections? Does it appear in objects, nature, or abstract design? Is Blue purely decorative or a defining structural device? No restrictions on subject matter or style exist. All approaches—traditional and non-traditional—are acceptable. Accepted mediums include painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, pastel, encaustic, sculpture, fiber, drawing, and photography.

The MVA Gallery is located in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the third largest metropolitan area in the state. Bethlehem has a vibrant arts and cultural life with numerous active galleries and nationally acclaimed festivals. Located one hour from New York City, it has become an art destination for collectors and art professionals.

Entry fee is $35.00 for 3 images, with additional images available for $5.00 each up to 9 maximum. All images must be submitted as JPEG files under 5 MB with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. Include title, medium, size, price, and year of completion. Artwork must be professionally finished and ready for installation with stretched wire attached to the back. Artwork should not exceed 48 inches (framed) on the longest side or weigh more than 45 lbs; sculpture should not exceed 20 inches on any dimension. Accepted artwork must arrive by May 26, 2023. The exhibition runs June 1-28, 2023. Awards include First Prize $450, Second Prize $250, and Third Prize $100. One artist will be selected for an exhibition opportunity in New York City. Artists are responsible for all shipping and insurance costs. Artwork must remain in the gallery for the full exhibition duration. For sales, artists receive 70% of the final sale price; the gallery receives 30%.