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. The exhibition invites artists to create work using limited palettes, subtle contrasts, and softened forms to express the stillness and introspection that twilight and night inspire. Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites original 2D or 3D work including paintings, photographs, installations, and mixed media. The exhibition is blind-juried by professional art experts.

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. All work must be original and completed solely by the artist's hand. A maximum of 6 original works created within the past 3 years may be entered. Work previously exhibited at MFA's Virtual Gallery within the last three years is not eligible for re-entry.

Entry 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. For accepted video submissions, the artist will deliver the file to MFA on a thumbdrive. Work images for the juror must correspond with the actual work.

Fees & sales

• Artists retain 80% from sales (85% for MFA Members)
• MFA retains 20% commission (15% for MFA Members)
• MFA reimburses up to $40 in shipping costs to North American artists with receipt
• Artists requested to donate 20% from sales made through direct MFA referral within three months

Juror

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