After Dark 2026

Overview

After Dark is a captivating art exhibition exploring the quiet, mysterious, and evocative world that emerges when the sun goes down. MFA invites artists to use limited palettes, subtle contrasts, and softened forms to express the stillness and introspection that twilight and night inspire. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA's After Dark exhibition through the Virtual Gallery.

Key dates

• June 23: Online entry opens
• August 26: Entry deadline @ 11:59 PM
• September 24: Notification @ 5 PM
• October 15: Exhibition opens
• November 2: Awards announced @ 5 PM
• December 14: Last day of exhibition

Eligibility

Entry is open to all artists internationally, with exception of sanctioned countries. Work must be original, completed solely by the artist's hand, and created within the past 3 years. Work previously exhibited at MFA's Virtual Gallery within the last three years is not eligible for re-entry.

Media & entry

Any original 2D or 3D work that follows exhibition guidelines will be considered, including paintings, photographs, installations, and mixed media works. A maximum of 6 original works may be entered per artist.

Technical requirements

All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. File size may be no more than 10 MB. For video submissions, put the link in the Linked Web Resource field and upload a still frame from the video. Accepted video submissions must be delivered to MFA on a thumb drive.

Sales

MFA's Virtual Sales Gallery is provided to North American artists to sell their work. Only artists in the 48 contiguous United States may set a price. All other artists must enter Price on Request (POR). 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. MFA will reimburse up to $40 in shipping costs to artists in the 48 contiguous states if a receipt is provided.

Jury

Maryland Federation of Art's exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Juror: Kevin Murphy, Eugénie Prendergast Senior Curator of American and European Art, Williams College Museum of Art.

Important conditions

Entering indicates understanding and agreement with MFA's approved Statement of Equality and Diversity and General Guidelines. Work delivered must correspond with the image(s) submitted to the juror. Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event. Images of accepted works may be used by MFA for promotional purposes including invitation, catalog, website, social media, or prospectus.