Compete MFA : Fiber Options
Opportunity Description
International Deadline: August 26, 2026 – Textile arts are a method of telling stories of war, politics, religious and mythical tales, and other folklore. From ancient Chinese garments and medieval European tapestries to Indigenous American weavings, nearly every culture has embraced techniques like embroidery, sewing, appliqué, quilting, and weaving to pass down narratives and traditions. Technology and techniques continue to evolve. To combat staggering amounts of textile waste, artists can recycle and repurpose fabric into sustainable masterpieces. Think about the intersections of function, purpose, and beauty and how you can use fibers to create artwork.
MFA seeks creative work using natural or synthetic textiles and/or fabric as a medium for artistic expression. Mixed media work incorporating textiles or textile techniques such as weaving or embroidery are also encouraged. Work that is simply a depiction (i.e. paintings, photos, prints) of fiber art will not be accepted.
Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s Circle Gallery from October 28 – November 21, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico to enter our biennial Fiber Options exhibition. All original 2D or 3D work incorporating the use of textiles and following exhibition guidelines will be considered. MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts.
JUROR
Syd Abady is an artist and educator who explores the politics and personalities of homes through a textiles-based practice. Her art incorporates architectural imagery, found objects, and fiber techniques to question issues of public and private spaces. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Textiles and Nature, Culture, Sustainability Studies with an emphasis on Urban Studies. She is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship in Chile and has exhibited at El Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), the Bronx Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA LA).
AWARDS
Awards designated by the juror total $1,000.
ENTRY FEE
1 or 2 entries $45 (MFA Members $30). Up to 4 additional entries $6.75 each (MFA Members $4.50). Entry fees are non-refundable.
APPLY ONLINE
Visit us online for complete details.
SALES
Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR). Artists will retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 30% commission (25% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA.
About:
The MFA incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1968 and, through the hard work of a growing and enthusiastic membership, opened the Circle Gallery located at 18 State Circle, just steps away from the State House in Annapolis. The gallery is located in a restored loft space in the heart of the Annapolis Historic District and has been operating continuously since opening its doors. The MFA has also reached out beyond its doors through its Alternate Space efforts, often bringing art to unexpected places.
Maryland Federation of Art
18 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
t: 410 268 4566
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