Call for Entries
The UMGC Arts Program invites artists 18 years of age or older who are current residents of Maryland, Northern Virginia, or the District of Columbia to submit entries for its 6th Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition (BMRE). All mediums except videography will be considered. Cash prizes and other distinctions will be awarded. Top prize is $5,000.
The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2026.
The exhibition will run from May 24 to August 9, 2026, in the UMGC Arts Program Main Gallery in Adelphi, Maryland. The opening reception and awards presentation will be on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Artists are responsible for uploading high-resolution images (300 dpi, approximately 8 x 10 inches) for each submission. The cost is $35 for up to two entries, plus $5 for one additional entry. Artists will be notified of the jurors’ decisions on February 18, 2026.
The biennial exhibition includes a full-color catalog featuring the works of all participants. The Best-of-Show awardee receives $5,000. Open to current residents in the region, 18 years or older, working in the following disciplines: painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, fiber, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, photographs, and mixed media. All work submitted must be original (no reproductions) and completed between 2025 and 2026. All work must be suitably prepared for installation.
Award Categories
1st Place: President's Best of Show Award
- $5,000
- Highlights on the UMGC website
2nd Place: Jurors’ Choice Award
- $2,500
- Highlights on the UMGC website
3rd Place: Award of Merit
- $1,000
- Highlights on the UMGC website
4th and 5th Place: Arts Program Honorable Mention
- Red ribbon recognition on the artwork during the run of the exhibit
Schedule and Deadlines
| Schedule | Deadlines |
| Submission deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| First round judging | February 4–6, 2026 |
| Second round judging | February 10–12, 2026 |
| Selection of artists | February 16, 2026 |
| Notification to artists | February 18, 2026 |
| Artworks received at UMGC | February 23–27, 2026 |
| Exhibition opens | May 24, 2026 |
| Awards reception | June 7, 2026 |
| Exhibition closes | August 9, 2026 |
| Artwork pickup begins | August 10, 2026 |
Terms and Conditions
- Artists may submit up to three digital images.
- All entries must be submitted electronically.
- Images must be large enough to print full page (approximately 8 x 10 inches) at 300 DPI (2400 x 3000 PPI). Note: your image may be smaller along one dimension depending on the proportion of your artwork. Any images that are less than 300 dpi will NOT be accepted.
- All jpeg/tiff entries must be labeled with artist’s last name and title of the work. Use as many characters as you can.
- Works that are altered from the original jpeg/tiff submission image will not be accepted.
- All fees must be paid at the time of submission.
- Electronic application submissions constitute an agreement between the artist and UMGC, and the artist declares all information is correct.
- Works must be original (no reproductions) and must have been completed between 2025 and 2026.
- Works must be properly framed and ready for hanging (if applicable). UMGC uses a wired hanging system, so use D-rings. UMGC will provide pedestals for three-dimensional works.
- The curator reserves the right to deny entry if any work is deemed not suitable for display or too difficult to install or if the image is altered after the jury process.
- Artists must adhere to the timeline/schedule.
- All selected artists will be notified electronically.
- Participating artists will receive 10 copies of the catalog, to be provided at the opening reception.
- Works selected for the 6th BMRE will not be for sale during the exhibition. The Arts Program will put any party interested in purchasing artwork in contact with the artist.
- Works cannot be removed until the end of the exhibition.
- Artists are responsible for getting the works to and picking up the works from the Arts Program at 3501 University Boulevard East, Suite 0144, Adelphi, Maryland 20783. | Directions
- Any works that are not retrieved within 30 days of the close of the exhibition will accrue a storage fee of $5 per day beginning on the 31st day. After 6 months from the exhibition closing, the artwork will become the property of the UMGC Arts Program and disposed of at the discretion of the UMGC Arts Program staff. This includes but is not limited to destroying the work, selling it, or giving it away.