Introducing Spatial Creating the right compositional balance is the challenge artists face with each work of art they create, regardless of the medium, style, or genre. The thoughtful use of negative space can be a powerful tool in shaping how we see and interpret the visual; it can provide either tension or serenity – sometimes evoking both in a single work of art. It adds meaning by showing us not only what is there, but what is not. The balance of spatial relationships between elements is a dance and can be expressed in countless ways: through stark contrast, geometrically, minimally, or using perspective to draw you to a single, central focal point. 3D artists demonstrate this dance by volume, and the space surrounding and through an object, or through activation between multiple objects. We invite artists to show us how they use spatial language in their art to get our attention in their own unique way.
MFA exhibitions are blindly juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Entry is open to all artists from around the world, with the exception of sanctioned countries. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. This includes works selected by the juror which will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) Spatial exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from August 14 – October 14, 2026. Show Chair: Patrice Drago.
Juror: Caryn Martin, Artist and Adjunct Professor at Maryland Institute College of Art Caryn Martin, a Baltimore-based artist and educator, was a 2022 Finalist for the Trawick Contemporary Art Awards. She received MAT and MFA degrees from Maryland Institute College of Art, and has taught color theory, drawing, two-dimensional design, and introductory time-based media classes at various institutions. Martin has shown her work at Art on Paper, the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair, Catalyst Contemporary, Creative Alliance, Maryland Art Place, St. John’s College, Anne Arundel Community College, School 33, Institute of Contemporary Art Baltimore, and Gallery B in Bethesda, Maryland. She has also exhibited work at Sulphur Studios in Georgia, Broward College in Florida, and Marshall University in West Virginia. In recent years, she has participated in residencies at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, VCCA France in Auvillar, ACI Residency in Italy, and at Windy Mowing in Vermont.