In the City 2026

In the City 2026 is an open call for original 2D and 3D artwork exploring urban environments. The exhibition welcomes submissions from artists internationally that capture the essence of city life—from universal elements like skylines, crosswalks, and crowds to unique symbols and iconic places that define a community's identity. Selected works will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art's Virtual Gallery from February 16 – April 14, 2026.

Eligibility and Requirements: Artists residing in the US, Canada, or Mexico are invited to enter. A maximum of 6 original works created within the past 3 years may be submitted. Work previously exhibited at MFA's Virtual Gallery within the last three years is not eligible. All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist's hand. Work must be for sale and may be set to Price on Request (POR). Entry fees are $30 for 1-2 entries, with additional entries at $4.50 each (non-refundable). Online entry opens October 14 and closes April 14, 2026. All work must be uploaded through artcall.org with a maximum file size of 10 MB. For video submissions, artists must provide a link in the Linked Web Resource field and upload a still frame; accepted video submissions must be delivered on a thumb drive.

Juror: Michael Dowley, a painter and professor at Northern Virginia Community College and Georgetown University, will select works for exhibition. Artists retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members), with MFA retaining a 20% commission (15% for Members). Images of accepted works may be used by MFA for promotional purposes including invitations, catalogs, websites, and social media.