Human Expressions 2026

Human Expressions invites artists to reimagine and push the boundaries of portraiture, encouraging exploration of new ways to convey the complexities of human experience. This exhibition seeks works that capture the depth of human expression through innovative approaches to portraiture, focusing on the transformative use of color, form, and composition. Artists are encouraged to break away from conventional representations of the human figure and create bold, evocative portraits that explore psychological, emotional, and conceptual facets of human identity. Whether through abstracted forms, unconventional color palettes, dynamic compositions, or mixed media, any technique that conveys the intricacies of human expression is welcome. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows exhibition guidelines will be considered.

Selected works will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art's Human Expressions Exhibition through the Virtual Gallery from April 15 – June 14, 2026. The juror is Marisa Stratton, a painter whose work explores contemporary portraiture in the context of screens. Stratton holds a BFA in Communication Arts with a minor in Painting + Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches painting as an Adjunct Lecturer at Georgetown University.

Entry is open to all artists residing in the US, Canada, or Mexico. A maximum of 6 original works created within the past 3 years may be entered. Entry fees are $30 for 1-2 entries, with additional entries at $4.50 each. Work must be for sale and may be set to Price on Request. Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members), with MFA retaining 20% commission (15% for MFA Members). Work previously exhibited at MFA's Virtual Gallery within the last three years is not eligible for re-entry. All entries must be uploaded through artcall.org with a maximum file size of 10 MB. For video submissions, the link must be placed in the Linked Web Resource field with a still frame uploaded as an attachment.