Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists residing in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico to enter its annual Art on Paper competition. Excluding digital photography, any original 2-D or 3-D work created on or of paper including but not limited to, collage, artist book, origami, printmaking, painting, sculpture, analog photography, and more, will be considered by the juror. Works selected will be on exhibit in MFA’s Circle Gallery from April 2nd to May 1st, 2021. The show chair is Candice Bigelow.
Juror’s Statement
Juror: Paul Glenshaw, Smithsonian Institution
First, my deepest respect to all who submitted work for this exhibition. Anyone who faces the blank page and commits to completing a work of art and then submits it for judgment shows courage and fortitude. There were 486 pieces submitted—making the selection meant some very difficult choices. Whether you were selected or not, I heartily encourage all who submitted to keep pursuing your craft and your vision!
Paper is so fundamental to us as artists – its selection is that essential first step in determining the nature of what we create. I was deeply impressed by the range and quality of the pieces – the drawings, watercolors, prints, handmade books, cast pieces, collages. Also the range of subject matter: abstractions, landscapes, portraits, still life, fantasies. Whatever the medium or subject, I strove to represent the wide range of interpretations and uses of paper, and select outstanding examples of expression and craftsmanship. I greatly look forward to seeing in person all the textures and colors of all the paper put to such creative use.
It is always heartening and exciting to see such vivid creativity alive and well. Thank you to all at the Maryland Federation of Art for the privilege of being the juror for this show. My congratulations to all those selected, the honorable mentions and the prizewinners!
Awards
Juror’s Choice
Anne Finucane, Along Falling Spring Road, etching with aquatint and rolled color
Andrew Parris, Steve, charcoal on original Harper’s Weekly dated 4/2/1859
Jodi Hoover, As the Crow Flies, accordion binding with hand-cut and painted Tyvek cover. hand cut paper, rubber stamps and recycled drawings
Carol Ann Moore, The Everything Tree, lithograph, hand-colored
Jo Beth Wharton, Lord of the Manor, collage