(Not) Strictly Painting 2026
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McLean Project for the Arts is seeking mid-Atlantic artists (DC, VA, MD, PA, NJ, DE, WV) to submit works that relate to the concept of (Not) Strictly Painting to be exhibited both in the gallery. This year’s applicants are invited to submit up to 4 jpegs of paintings or works related in some way to painting completed in the last two years and not previously exhibited at MPA. Work that combines painting with other materials or is conceptual in nature is acceptable and encouraged as well. Time based media are welcome, but must be limited to 10 minutes. Each of the submitted works must be available for exhibit if chosen by the jurors. Works must fit through an 81” x 64” doorway.
Location
McLean Project for the Arts:
Emerson and Atrium Galleries
1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean, VA 22101
Exhibition Dates: September 10, 2026- November 17, 2026
Juror:
Michael O’Sullivan is an award-winning Washington writer, editor, critic and curator From 1993 to 2023, he covered visual art and film for The Washington Post, earning a Special Recognition Award at the 2010 Mayor’s Art Awards and the second place prize for critical writing in 2012 from the Virginia Press Association. He has organized and juried exhibitions for several Mid-Atlantic art spaces, including the Athenaeum, Studio Gallery, the Greenbelt Arts Center, Maryland Federation of Art’s Circle Gallery, the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery and the Delaware Contemporary. He has curated exhibitions at the American University Museum and Conner Contemporary.
APPLICATION Entry must be made on-line via Submittable. There is no fee for submission. Visit our website for more information: www.mpaart.org
NOTIFICATION Whether your piece has been selected by the juror or not, notification will be sent to you via email.
SALES A 30% sales commission will be retained by MPA on all sales resulting directly from the exhibit. Work will be sold at the price listed on the typed image checklist unless marked Not For Sale (NFS).
Dates:
July 19, 2026: Deadline for Submission
August 3, 2026: Acceptance Notification
August 27-29, 2026: Artwork Drop-Off
September 10, 2026: Opening Reception, 7-9pm
September 26, 2023: Artist Talk, 11am
October 21, 2026: Tea and Talk, 11am
November 17, 2026: Closing of Exhibition
November 18, 2026: Artwork Pick-Up
For more information, please contact Jen Lillis: jlillis@mpaart.org.