Small Wonders 2026

Introducing Small Wonders

Life is full of little things that can make a big impact. The little details come together to form a bigger picture, or in this case, an exhibition of small but wonderful works. This show is for artists who dream big but work small. Work is limited to under 11 inches in all directions, but there's no limit on creativity or media.

Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invites all artists residing in any of the states or territories of the US, Canada, or Mexico to enter our 22nd annual Small Wonders exhibition. All original 2D or 3D work under 11 inches in all directions (including the frame and display!) and following exhibition guidelines will be considered. MFA exhibitions are blind juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Works selected by the juror will be exhibited in MFA's Circle Gallery from November 25 – December 22, 2026.

Juror: Abby Daggett, Gallery Director and Marketing Director at Maine Art Hill

Abby Daggett is the Gallery Director and Marketing Director at Maine Art Hill, one of New England's premier fine art galleries representing more than 40 contemporary painters and sculptors. Over the past eight years, she has played an integral role in the gallery's growth, overseeing marketing strategy, exhibitions, artist promotion, and collector engagement while helping connect artists with audiences from around the world.

Abby's background spans both the commercial gallery and museum sectors. Prior to joining Maine Art Hill, she worked in galleries and museums in Boston and held positions abroad, including an internship at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and roles supporting international study abroad programs in Italy and Ireland.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Art History from Northeastern University and a Master's degree in Art Management from the Istituto Europeo di Design in Florence and Rome, Italy. Having lived and studied throughout Europe, Abby brings an international perspective to her appreciation of contemporary art while maintaining a deep connection to Maine's artistic community.

As a juror, Abby values technical excellence, originality, and authentic artistic voice. She is honored to serve as a guest juror for the Maryland Federation of Art.

Terms of Entry

• Entry is open to artists residing in any of the states or territories of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• Entering this exhibition indicates understanding and agreement on the part of the artist with the conditions stated herein and with (a) MFA's approved Statement of Equality and Diversity and (b) MFA's General Guidelines. Work must meet exhibition guidelines to be included in the event. MFA may determine work ineligible if entry guidelines are not followed. Work delivered must correspond with the image(s) submitted to the juror.
• Images of accepted works may be used at the sole discretion of MFA for promotional purposes including, but not limited to: the invitation, catalog, website, or social media. Images will include attribution wherever possible.
• Work cannot be withdrawn before the end of the event.

Liability

• All work is blind juried. Artists' name and identifying information is hidden from the juror. Watermarks are discouraged to ensure blind jurying.
• All work will be handled with all possible care, but pieces submitted for exhibition are at the artist's risk. In the event of damage or theft, the MFA will not be held liable. If insurance is desired, the artist must carry it.

Awards

• Awards designated by the juror total $1000.

Entry Requirements

• All work must be uploaded through artcall.org. File size may be no more than 10 MB. Images for the juror must correspond with the actual work. MFA does not display watermarks; artists display at their own risk.
• For video submissions: you must put the link to the video in the Linked Web Resource field, and then upload a still frame from the video. For accepted video submissions, the artist will be expected to deliver the file to MFA on a thumbdrive.
• All entries 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. If artwork is part of a limited edition, please state total number in the edition. Work previously exhibited at MFA Circle Gallery is not eligible for re-entry.
• Maximum size of work, including edges of artwork or frame, cannot exceed **11” ** in any direction. Works that exceed the 11” limit are not acceptable and are not eligible for entry. Ensure frames are 11” or smaller.

Entry Fee

• 1 or 2 entries $45 (MFA Members $30). Up to 4 additional entries $6.75 each (MFA Members $4.50). Entry fees are non-refundable.

Sales

• Artists will retain 70% from sales (75% for MFA Members). MFA will retain 30% commission (25% for MFA Members) on any work sold through MFA.
• Work must be for sale. Work may be set to Price on Request (POR).

Exhibition Schedule

• July 28: Online Entry Opens for Submissions
• Sep 30: Entry Deadline
• Oct 29: Notification @ 5 PM
• Nov 18 – 22: Accepted and Shipped Work Must Arrive at MFA Circle Gallery from 12 – 4 PM
• Nov 25: Exhibition Opens; Nov 30 Virtual Awards Ceremony from 5:30 – 6:30 PM via Zoom
• Dec 3: Opening Reception 5 – 8 PM at MFA Circle Gallery and 76 Maryland Ave, Awards Presented at 6 PM at Circle Gallery
• Dec 10 and 17: Additional Midnight Madness Receptions at MFA Circle Gallery and Maryland Ave from 5 – 8 PM
• Dec 22: Last Day of Exhibition
• Dec 22 – 23: Pick-up Hand-Delivered Work from 11 AM – 4 PM
• Dec 30: Shipped Work Will Be Sent

Notification

All entrants will receive notification by email. Accepted artists will also be posted on MFA's website. Artists who have unsubscribed from MFA emails will not receive notification. The notice to accepted artists will include specific details and could vary from the prospectus. Please set your email account to recognize eleanor@mdfedart.org and info@mdfedart.org. Contact Circle Gallery if you do not receive notice by 6 PM on the day of notification.