PORTALS AND PASSAGES

The MVA Gallery (Modern Visual Arts) invites artists, photographers, and sculptors of all levels to submit original artwork to this national exhibition exploring Portals and Passages. Portals—including doors, entranceways, and windows—function as physical, conceptual, and psychological points of arrival and departure. For centuries, these portals have served as sources of artistic inspiration, frequently functioning as symbolic entrances into other realms, real or imaginary. They can signify freedom, represent crossing into a mysterious world, or evoke settings for seeking a spiritual path. Passages and passageways are associated with corridors, streets, tunnels, bridges, trails, mirrors, and other natural and man-made structures. In art and literature, they can symbolically represent Rites of Passage—societal transitions during life-cycle events or territorial crossings into regions with different cultures or religions. All themes and subthemes are appropriate for artwork in this exhibition. No restrictions on style exist; all genres and techniques are welcome, including representational, surreal, abstract, expressionistic, or synthesis. The MVA Gallery accepts painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, pastel, encaustic, sculpture, fiber, drawing, and photography.

Entry fee is $35.00 for 3 images, with additional images available for $5.00 each up to 9 maximum. All images must be JPEG format, 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 secure 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 24 inches on any dimension. Artists are responsible for all shipping and insurance costs both to and from the gallery. Accepted artwork must arrive by April 27, 2024. The exhibition runs May 1-26, 2024. Notification to artists will be sent by email on or about February 21, 2024. An "Art of Distinction" Award will be granted, featuring one selected artist in a special exhibit. One artist will also be selected from all accepted artists displayed in MVA Gallery exhibits during the past calendar year for an exhibition opportunity in New York City, with notification in December.