Everything Blue (2026)

The MVA Gallery (Modern Visual Arts) invites artists, photographers and sculptors of all levels (emerging to established) to submit original artwork to this exhibition exploring the color blue. Blue has been regarded with reverence since ancient times, existing in unique shades including cyan, navy, aqua, azure, cobalt and indigo. The human response to Blue is complex and contradictory - recognized for both positive and negative artistic, symbolic and psychological values. Conjuring images of the sky and sea, it represents freedom and imagination, trust, loyalty and faith, while also being associated with coldness, loneliness and sadness. No restrictions on subject matter or style exist for this exhibition, with all approaches traditional and non-traditional invited.

Accepted mediums include painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, pastel, encaustic, sculpture, fiber, drawing and photography. Entry fee is $35.00 for 3 different images, with additional files for $5.00 each up to a maximum of 9. All images must be JPEG under 5 MB with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. Artwork should not be larger than 48 inches (framed) on the longest side and not weigh more than 50 lbs, with sculpture not larger than 24 inches on any dimension.

Awards include an "Art of Distinction" Award featuring the selected artist in a special exhibit at Exhibition Room Two, an Annual Grand Prize offering one New York City exhibition opportunity, and an optional Director's Choice Award of $200. The MVA Gallery is located in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, one hour from New York City. Exhibition dates are March 29 - April 26, 2026, with notification to artists on or about January 27, 2026.