2026 National Juried Photography Exhibition
Submit 1 to 3 high-resolution images of original photographic work for jurying in a national exhibition.
Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.
Get matched →- Deadline
- 37 days left
- Entry fee
- $25
- Award
- $1,000
- Location
- Frederick, Maryland
- Exhibition window
- Nov 7, 2026 → Nov 29, 2026
- Applicants notified
- Oct 8, 2026
About
Overview
The 2026 National Juried Photography Exhibition is part of FOCUS: A Celebration of Photography, held every other year in November. The exhibition showcases photographic work from artists all over the country in a vast display of talent and exploration.
Key dates
- Submission deadline: September 27, 2026
- Accepted artists announced: October 8, 2026
- Artwork drop-off: October 25–31, 2026
- Exhibition dates: November 7–29, 2026
- Juror's Talk and Award Announcement: November 7, 2 pm
- Artwork pick-up: November 29, 4–5 pm or November 30, 9 am–5 pm
Awards
- Grand prize: $1,000
- Second place: $500
- Third place: $250
- Honorable mention: $125
Eligibility
Open to artists nationwide. Artwork must be original in design and personal execution. No commercially made prints, giclees, or reproductions. Artwork must have been created within the past two years and not previously displayed at the Delaplaine.
Application requirements
- Artist full name, city and country of residence, phone, email
- Artist statement
- Social media links (optional)
- Website (optional)
- Work samples: 1 to 3 high-resolution images
Media & submission
No theme, size, or media requirements or restrictions. You may submit 1 to 3 artworks.
Jurying & awards
The competition will be judged in two rounds. The first round will be conducted virtually through the Delaplaine's online exhibit entry portal, with the juror working remotely to determine which artworks will be accepted for exhibition. The second round jurying for awards will be conducted in person after artwork has been installed.
Delivery & display
Accepted artwork must be hand delivered or shipped to the Delaplaine (40 S. Carroll Street, Frederick, MD) between October 25–31, 2026, during normal business hours. Two-dimensional, wall-hanging work does not need to be framed but must be wired to a professional standard, delivered ready to hang. Wire should be affixed using D-ring or strap hangers in one smooth line—absolutely no sawtooth hangers. Framed work should be secured using offset clips and screws (canvas) or points (flat works with backing board). No tape, duct tape, masking tape, or other unstable methods are permitted. Artwork shipped to the Delaplaine must include a return label. The Delaplaine will insure artwork from delivery until pick-up. All accepted artwork must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Artwork may be picked up November 29, 4–5 pm, or November 30, 9 am–5 pm. Other pick-up arrangements must be made in advance by contacting Corey Frey at 301-698-0656 ext. 108 or [email protected].
- Award
- Grand prize $1,000, second place $500, third place $250, honorable mention $125
- Entry fee
- $25 / $35
- Entries per artist
- Up to 3
- Theme
- Part of FOCUS: A Celebration of Photography, showcasing photographic work from artists all over the country.
- Eligibility
- Open to artists nationwide; artwork must be original in design and personal execution, created within the past two years, and not previously displayed at the Delaplaine.
- Audience
- Open to artists from all over the country
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.