Everything Blue

The MVA Gallery (Modern Visual Arts) invites artists and photographers of all levels to submit original 2D artwork to this exhibition. This is a national call for entries exploring the color blue and its interpretations. Blue has been regarded with reverence since ancient times and can be interpreted as powerful or subtle, boisterous or calm, elegant or ordinary. The color conjures images of the sky and sea, representing freedom, intuition, imagination, trust, admiration, loyalty, and faith, while also revealing meanings of coldness, loneliness, and sadness. Artists and photographers are invited to explore how they utilize blue in their work—whether it permeates the entire image, appears in small sections, elements of nature, or as purely decorative or structural design. No restrictions on subject matter or style exist. All approaches—traditional or non-traditional—are acceptable. Accepted mediums include painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, encaustic, fiber, drawing, and photography.

Submission is exclusively through CAFE (CallForEntry). Entry fee is $35.00 for 3 different images, with additional images available for $5.00 each up to a maximum of 9 images. All images must be JPEG format, under 5 MB, with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. Artists should provide title, medium, size, price, and year of completion. Only 2D artwork will be included. Artwork must be professionally finished and ready for secure installation with stretched wire attached to the back. Pieces should not exceed 48 inches (framed) on the longest side and should not weigh more than 45 lbs. Photographs should be framed if a traditional presentation is desired, with black or white frames preferred.

Entry deadline is April 18, 2022. Notification to artists will be no later than April 21, 2022 by email. Exhibition dates are May 14 through June 5, 2022. Accepted artwork must arrive at the gallery no later than May 12, 2022. Awards include First Prize ($400) and Second Prize ($200). One artist will be selected from all accepted artists displayed in MVA Gallery exhibits during the calendar year for an exhibition opportunity in New York City. The gallery is located in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, one hour from New York City. For sales, artists receive 70% of the final sale price and the gallery receives 30%. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs and insurance both to and from the gallery and must provide a prepaid return shipping label.