Compete Absolutely Abstract
Opportunity Description
U.S. National Deadline: November 30, 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.
The Gallery invites artists who have declared their independence from portraying reality in favor of creating abstract art that emphasizes the essential elements of line, shape, color, form, and gestural mark to achieve intense and rhythmic effects. Empty your minds of preconceptions and strive for spontaneity in your non-representational art for this exhibition. The Gallery welcomes any style of abstract art from “drip” paintings to color field impressions to geometric designs.
Abstract images are powerful — whether bold or lyrical, severely structured or loosely composed, brightly colored or quietly muted, enigmatic or lucid. Please show us the expansiveness of the creative process by submitting your personal interpretations. Excite us with your variations on abstract art! Please join us for this special exhibition.
Exhibition Dates: March 29, 2026 – April 26, 2026.
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. The MVA Gallery accepts painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, pastel, encaustic, sculpture, fiber, drawing and photography.
- Artists should not submit any images of art previously included in an exhibit of the MVA Gallery. Previous acceptance into one of our shows does not constitute acceptance into future shows.
- No reproductions, modifications or derivatives of original art (or copyrighted images) of other people’s work will be accepted. The artist should be the sole owner of all rights.
- Artwork must look professionally finished and be ready for secure installation. All art must be equipped with stretched WIRE attached to the back. (Sawtooth hangers are not acceptable.) Artwork without a wire will not be displayed. The Gallery will consider framed PAINTINGS or paintings with gallery wrapped (finished) edges. Of course, mixed media and digital pieces are sometimes unframed (but must have an attached wire).
- Shipped artwork using standard glass poses a risk and is not advisable. Plexiglass is preferred. Artwork with glass that arrives in cracked / shattered condition will be pulled from the exhibit.
- 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.
- PHOTOGRAPHS should be framed (48 inches maximum) if you wish a traditional presentation. Black or white frames are preferred. Mats, when used, should be white or off-white only. Other types of mounting (not framed) will be considered. All photographic processes are welcome
ARTISTS’ EXPOSURE ON INSTAGRAM
Many of the artists’ accepted submissions will appear, with the artists’ names, on the MVA Gallery Instagram page @mvaartgallery several days after the opening date of each exhibition. These images will not be removed from the Instagram page so collectors can contact the artists directly in the future.
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 optional award may be granted at the discretion of the Executive Director of the MVA Gallery.
ENTRY FEE
Entry fee is $35.00 for 3 images. 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 February 5, 2026 (Midnight). Notification by email.
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
ph: 610-936-0737
