Fiber Options 2026

Overview

Fiber Options 2026 is a biennial exhibition celebrating textile arts as a vehicle for storytelling and artistic expression. MFA invites creative work using natural or synthetic textiles and fabric as primary mediums, including mixed media incorporating textile techniques such as weaving or embroidery. Work that is simply a depiction (paintings, photos, prints) of fiber art will not be accepted. The exhibition will be blind juried by Sydney Abady, an artist and educator exploring textiles-based practice.

Key dates

• June 30: Online entry opens
• August 26: Entry deadline
• October 1: Notification at 5 PM
• October 21–25: Accepted work must arrive at gallery (11 AM–4 PM)
• October 28: Exhibition opens; Virtual Awards Ceremony at 5:30 PM
• November 21: Last day of exhibition; In-Person Reception (4–6 PM)
• November 22–23: Pick up hand-delivered work (11 AM–4 PM)
• November 30: Shipped work will be sent

Eligibility

Entry is open to artists residing in any US state or territory, Canada, or Mexico. All work must be original, created solely by the artist's hand, and completed within the past 3 years. Work previously exhibited at MFA Circle Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.

Media & size

• All original 2D or 3D work incorporating textiles, natural or synthetic fibers, or textile techniques (weaving, embroidery, appliqué, quilting)
• Mixed media incorporating textiles encouraged
• Work that is simply a depiction of fiber art will not be accepted
• Maximum size: 72″ in any direction (including frame edges)
• Artists may be asked to assist with installation of oversized work (greater than 60″ or over 40 lbs.)

Submission requirements

• For video submissions: place video link in Linked Web Resource field and upload a still frame; accepted video must be delivered on thumbdrive
• Work must be for sale (may be set to Price on Request)
• Work delivered must correspond with submitted images

Sales & commission

• Non-members: artist retains 70%; MFA retains 30% commission
• Members: artist retains 75%; MFA retains 25% commission

Exhibition details

Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA's Circle Gallery from October 28 – November 21, 2026. MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Images of accepted works may be used at MFA's sole discretion for promotional purposes including invitation, catalog, website, or social media, with attribution included where possible. Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event.

Exhibition chair & juror

Exhibition Chair: Angela Petruncio. Juror: Sydney Abady, an artist and educator who explores the politics and personalities of homes through textiles-based practice, incorporating architectural imagery, found objects, and fiber techniques. She received her BFA from RISD in Textiles and Nature, Culture, Sustainability Studies and is a Fulbright Fellow with exhibitions at major museums including MAD, the Bronx Museum of Art, and MOCA LA.