Compete Patterns
Opportunity Description
U.S. National Deadline: July 31, 2025 – The MVA Gallery (Modern Visual Arts) invites artists, photographers and sculptors of all levels (emerging to established) to submit original artwork to this exhibition.
Patterns — intricate designs are everywhere! They captivate us and create rhythm, balance and order.
We see the geometry of patterns in natural and man-made objects and also in human activities. Flowers in a garden, trees in a forest, waves of the sea, skins of animals, window panes, furniture arrangements, table settings, city street grids, architectural features, stained glass and mosaics, parades, dance choreography, pedestrian movement, children playing, sidewalk shadows, store displays, wallpaper and textiles.
Formalized, traditional patterns can represent cultural / religious symbols such as a cross, star, mandala and flags which assume powerful significance.
And, of course, organized or random designs of abstract art and collages integrate compelling visual elements that can evoke a strong emotional response.
We invite artists to share with us their representational or abstract art. It can be simple or complex, lucid or mysterious, calm or frenetic, traditional or experimental. Images can be color or black-and-white. No limitations
Exhibition Dates: November 20 – December 31, 2025
ELIGIBILITY
This is a National Call for Entries inviting artists, photographers and sculptors from all regions and states. Artists must be 18 years of age or older and current residents of the United States.
Images can be color or black-and-white. No limitations. Surprise us with your personal visions and creativity.
ART should not be larger than 48 inches (framed) on the longest side and not weigh more than 45 lbs. SCULPTURE should not be larger than 28 inches on any dimension.
Mediums: The MVA Gallery accepts painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, pastel, encaustic, sculpture, fiber, drawing and photography.
AWARDS
Art of Distinction Award will be granted at most exhibitions. One artist, photographer or sculptor will be selected and featured in a special exhibit at the MVA Gallery, Exhibition Room 2, to be scheduled at a future date.
One New York City Exhibition: One artist, photographer or sculptor will be selected from all the individuals who were accepted and displayed in an MVA Gallery exhibit during the past calendar year. This artist will be offered an exhibition opportunity in New York City and will be notified in December.
Director’s Choice Award – $200 one optional award may be granted at the discretion of the Executive Director of the MVA Gallery.
ENTRY FEE
Entry fee is $35.00. You may include additional files for $5.00 each up to a total of 9 maximum.
APPLY ONLINE
Visit us for complete details and easy online application.
Notification to Artists: On or about October 19, 2025 (Midnight). Notification by email.
All accepted artwork must arrive at the Gallery no later than November 14, 2025.
SALES
Artists can determine whether they wish to sell their artwork. For sales, the artist must list a specific price and not indicate “Upon Request.”
Commission Fees:
70% of the final sale price to the Artist.
30% of the final sale price to the Gallery.
About:
The MVA Gallery (Modern Visual Arts) is located in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Bethlehem, along with its neighboring cities Allentown and Easton, comprise the third largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania (after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). Bethlehem has a vibrant arts and cultural life — numerous active art galleries and nationally acclaimed festivals that attract tens of thousands of visitors each year. Located one hour from New York City, Bethlehem has become an art destination for informed collectors and prominent art professionals.
MVA Gallery
35 E. Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 35
Bethlehem, PA 18018
