Call Description

Concept

Every May The Delaplaine hosts our National Juried Exhibition, showcasing work from artists all over the country in a vast display of media, talent and exploration!

Accepted artists have their work on display through the months of May, June and into July and have the opportunity to win a grand prize award of $1,000, second place for $500, third place, for $250 or honorable mention award for $125.

Accepted artwork will be announced on April 2. 

Exhibition Dates: May 2–July 12, 2026

Juror's Talk and Award Announcement: May 2, 2–3 p.m.

2026 Juror

Kyle Hackett earned his MFA from the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of
Painting at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and his BFA in Fine Arts as a McNair
Scholar from the University of Delaware. Hackett has received numerous honors and awards, has been featured in multiple publications, and his work is represented by Goya Contemporary Gallery (Baltimore) and notably collected by Ethan Cohen Gallery (New York), Wangechi Mutu Studio, museums at the University of Delaware and University of Maryland, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Capital One Lounge permanent collection at the Washington Dulles International Airport, the Trawick Foundation, and more.

Judging

The competition will be judged in two rounds:

1. The first round will be conducted virtually through the Delaplaine’s online exhibit entry portal, with the juror working remotely.  This round will determine which artworks will be accepted for exhibition.
2. The second round jurying for the Awards will be conducted in person after the artwork has been installed.

Dropoff, Display, and Pickup

1. All artwork accepted for exhibition are to be hand delivered or shipped and received at the Delaplaine at 40 S. Carroll Street in Frederick, MD from Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26, 2026, during our normal business hours (Monday–Saturday 9–5 pm, Sunday 11–5 pm).
   • Artwork shipped to the Delaplaine MUST include a return label for return shipping.
2. The Delaplaine will insure the artwork from the time of delivery until the designated pick-up time (for an amount that shall not exceed the sale price less commission).
3. All accepted artwork must remain on display for the duration of the National Juried Exhibition.
4. Artwork may be picked up from the Exhibition from 4 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, July 12th, or 9 to 5 pm on Monday July 13th.
   • Any other pick-up arrangements must be made in advance by contacting Corey Frey, Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager, at 301-698-0656 ext. 108 or cfrey@delaplaine.org.
   • Any work left at the Delaplaine for longer than the designated pick-up dates may be disposed of at the Delaplaine's discretion.

Application Requirements

Artist Information

• Artist Full Name
• City and Country of Residence
• Phone
• Email
• Artist Statement
• Social Media Links (optional)
• Website (optional)

Artwork Information

• Work Samples: 1 to 3 Artworks with High Resolution images
• There are no theme, size or media requirements or restrictions for this exhibition.

Eligibility Criteria

Origin of Work 

• All artwork must be original in design and personal execution.
• Artworks must be the artist’s original work. No commercially made prints, giclees, or reproductions of an original work of art will be considered for exhibition.

Condition of Artwork at Dropoff, if Accepted

• Artwork must have been created by the applicant within the past two years. Artwork must not have been previously displayed at the Delaplaine. Artwork must remain on view for the duration of the exhibit. Artists are solely responsible for artwork preparation, delivery, and pick up.
• Accepted two-dimensional, wall-hanging work does not need to be framed but does need to be wired to a professional standard, delivered ready to hang. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS; they do not work with the Delaplaine’s professional hanging system. Wire should be affixed to the frame using D-ring or strap hangers in one smooth line. Please make sure that the picture hanging wire used is a suitable strength for the weight of your work. Framed work should be secured using offset clips and screws (works on canvas) or using points (flat works with backing board). ABSOLUTELY NO TAPE, DUCT TAPE, MASKING TAPE, OR OTHER UNSTABLE METHODS FOR SECURING WORK TO ITS FRAME.
• Accepted work may be refused because of framing or condition.
• Artists accepted into the exhibition will be provided with a drop-off form and label for the back in the top right-hand corner with the following information:
  • Artist name
  • Title
  • Medium
  • Sale price or not for sale (NFS) indication with insurance value
  • Preferred phone number
  • Email address