Call Description

For our nation’s semiquincentennial, we invite artists to create work reflecting on their personal experiences as Americans as well as how they engage with the histories of their communities and families, and their hopes for the future. Artwork submitted to this exhibition will be reviewed by a panel who will curate an exhibition that reflects, celebrates, and maybe even reimagines what it means to be an American during the time of our 250th anniversary. 

Deadline for entries is May 24, and the exhibition will be on display in July.

Accepted artwork will be announced on June 2. 

Exhibition Dates: July 3–26, 2026

Jury

Jurying will be conducted virtually through the Delaplaine’s online exhibit entry portal, with the jurors working remotely.  This round will determine which artworks will be accepted for exhibition.

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, June 22 through Sunday, June 28, 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 26th, or 9 to 5 pm on Monday July 27th.
   • 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
• Artwork should be themed toward the artists experience as an American.
• There are no 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