MFA : After Dark 2026

International Deadline: August 26, 2026 – After Dark is a captivating art exhibition that explores the quiet, mysterious, and evocative world that emerges when the sun goes down. Whether it’s the gentle flicker of a single lamp in an open window or the vast, starlit silence of a rural field, After Dark reveals how night transforms the way we see, feel, and imagine. Through a curated collection of paintings, photographs, installations, and mixed media works, After Dark will lure viewers into a realm where light fades, shadows stretch, and the ordinary becomes infused with mood, ambiguity, and atmosphere.

This exhibition is a meditation on the nocturnal, a celebration of the unseen, and a tribute to the artistry that arises when the world grows quiet and the light begins to fade. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA’s After Dark exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from October 15 – December 14, 2026.

ELIGIBILITY
Entry is open to all artists from around the world, with exception of sanctioned countries. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. MFA invites artists to use limited palettes, subtle contrasts, and softened forms to express the stillness and introspection that twilight and night inspire.

JUROR
Kevin Murphy, Eugénie Prendergast Senior Curator of American and European Art, Williams College Museum of Art.

Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts.

AWARDS
Awards designated by the juror total $500.00.

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
MFA’s Online Sales Gallery is provided to North American artists to sell their work. Only artists in the 48 contiguous United States may set a price. MFA will reimburse up to $35 in shipping costs to those artists for online sales shipments if a receipt is provided. All other artists must enter Price on Request (POR) and purchase inquiries will be referred by MFA to the artist.

Artists will retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 20% commission (15% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA. The sale of artwork is taxable, and all sales tax processing will be handled by MFA. Artists will be responsible for fulfillment of sales.

Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).