Small Wonders

Small Wonders is the Maryland Federation of Art’s 22nd annual exhibition celebrating imaginative artwork on a small scale. Artists are invited to submit original two- or three-dimensional works measuring no more than 11 inches in any direction, including the frame, edges, or display. The exhibition accepts any medium and is intended for artists whose work is physically small but ambitious in concept and execution.

The show is blind-juried by Abby Daggett, Gallery Director and Marketing Director at Maine Art Hill. Selected works will be exhibited at MFA’s Circle Gallery, with awards totaling $1,000. The entry period is closed; October 29 is the scheduled notification date for artists.

When: Artist notifications are scheduled for October 29 at 5 PM. The exhibition is scheduled to be on display November 25–December 22, 2026.

Showtimes: The opening reception is December 3 from 5–8 PM. Additional Midnight Madness receptions are scheduled for December 10 and 17 from 5–8 PM at Circle Gallery and along Maryland Avenue. A virtual awards ceremony will take place December 3? Wait raw says Nov 30. Need correct. 5:30-6:30 Nov30 via Zoom.

Schedule: Accepted work must arrive at MFA Circle Gallery November 18–22 from 12–4 PM. The final exhibition day is December 22. Hand-delivered work may be picked up December 22–23 from 11 AM–4 PM, and shipped work will be sent December 30.

Tickets: Price not available. This page lists artist entry fees rather than an admission price.

Entry fees: One or two entries cost $45, or $30 for MFA members. Up to four additional entries cost $6.75 each, or $4.50 each for MFA members. Entry fees are nonrefundable.

Artwork requirements: Entries must be original works completed solely by the artist and created within the past three years. Artists may submit up to six works. Each piece, including its frame or edges, must be 11 inches or smaller in every direction. Work previously exhibited at MFA’s Circle Gallery is not eligible, and all submitted work must be for sale, although artists may designate a price as “Price on Request.”

Eligibility: Entry is open to artists living in any U.S. state or territory, Canada, or Mexico.

Submission process: Entries must be uploaded through ArtCall.org. Each image file may be no larger than 10 MB, and submitted images must accurately represent the physical artwork. Video entries require a link in the Linked Web Resource field plus an uploaded still frame; accepted videos must later be delivered to MFA on a thumb drive.

Juror: Abby Daggett, Gallery Director and Marketing Director at Maine Art Hill, a New England gallery representing more than 40 contemporary painters and sculptors. Her prior experience includes work in Boston galleries and museums, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and international study-abroad programs. She holds degrees in psychology, art history, and art management, and evaluates work for technical quality, originality, and a genuine artistic voice.

Awards: The juror will designate awards totaling $1,000.

Sales: Artists receive 70% of the sale price, or 75% for MFA members. MFA retains a 30% commission, reduced to 25% for members.

Venue: Circle Gallery, Maryland Federation of Art, 18 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Gallery hours: Circle Gallery is open daily from 11 AM–5 PM.

Notification: All entrants will be notified by email, and accepted artists will also be listed on MFA’s website. Artists who do not receive notice by 6 PM on the notification date are instructed to contact Circle Gallery.

Accessibility and contingency: If Circle Gallery or another exhibition space must close for reasons beyond MFA’s control, MFA may move the physical exhibition to its online gallery.