Strictly Painting is an example of theme exhibitions juried by arts professionals such as museum curators, arts organization curators, art consultants, art critics, independent curators, art historians and accomplished artists. All mid-Atlantic artists are invited to submit their images. to MPA through a Call for Entries procedure. The number of artists selected depends upon the juror’s decision. Cash prizes are awarded. Anyone who wishes to receive a prospectus for upcoming juried shows may send his or her address to MPA at the above address or via email to nsausser@mpaart.org
Exhibition Programming Policy
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art. Quality of artwork, and the conceptual integrity of exhibition proposals (as well as the particular scope or focus of MPA’s exhibit schedule for that year) are the primary deciding factors in determining which artists are selected for exhibition.
Calling all artists! MPA is currently seeking submissions for our 18th annual MPAartfest!
MPAartfest 2025 will consist of a one-day in-person juried fine arts and craft show held in McLean Central Park on October 5, 2025. Accepted artists retain 100% of in-park sales.
Early Application Deadline: May 20, 2026 ($325)
Deadline for Submissions: June 21, 2025 at 9pm ($375)
Festival Date: October 5, 2025
WHERE: McLean Central Park; 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd; McLean, VA
Accepted artists will also be featured on the MPAartfest website
HOW: Additional rules and submission instructions are available here: https://tinyurl.com/mpaartfest25
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jennifer Lillis, Gallery Manager, at jlillis@mpaart.org with questions or for more information
Juried Shows
How to Apply for a Solo or Group Exhibition
MPA’s Exhibitions Director curates several solo or thematic group exhibitions per year. These exhibitions result from introduction to artist’s work through image submissions, studio visits; research in image registries; visits to other galleries and arts organizations; attending lectures, panels, and special events; visiting university art departments; peer recommendations from other artists and curators; readings and other sources of inspiration.
Image Submissions by Artists seeking Solo Exhibitions
MPA encourages artists to submit jpegs, slides and other visual materials of recent work for consideration in solo exhibition programming. Submissions should include a disc containing 10 – 20 jpegs (max pixels 2,000 at 300 dpi) of recent work or one sheet of recent slides, an artist resume, artist statement, any catalogs or press coverage, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E.) with protective cardboard and sufficient postage to cover return of materials, if desired.
Reviews of materials are now done throughout the year. MPA’s Director of Exhibitions reviews the submissions and will respond to the artist through a letter, email or telephone call if a suitable opportunity arises. This may require some waiting period as the annual programming is developed over a year in advance with an agenda for balance, range and inclusivity. Please DO NOT contact the Exhibitions Director regarding your submission.
Submitted Proposals of Thematic Group Exhibitions
Curators may submit proposals of thematic group exhibitions that explore an idea in depth. MPA recommends that one individual serve as the project organizer (curator / artist / writer). This individual should not be one of the proposed exhibiting artists. Artistic quality, depth of research, budget feasibility, attention to administrative detail, and overall professionalism of the proposal are deciding factors in selecting exhibitions. Submissions should include: an exhibition goal statement; a list of artists with their resumes and current images or videos; experience of project organizer (resume), budget, outline of project needs, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with protective cardboard and sufficient postage to cover return of submission.
Reviews of materials are now done throughout the year. MPA’s Director of Exhibitions reviews the submissions and will respond to the artist through a letter, email or telephone call if a suitable opportunity arises. This may require some waiting period as the annual programming is developed over a year in advance with an agenda for balance, range and inclusivity. Please DO NOT contact the Exhibitions Director regarding your submission.
Traveling or Shared Exhibitions
MPA also presents traveling or shared exhibitions of contemporary art that are organized by other institutions. An example is the Divas and Iron Chefs exhibit, curated by Reni Gower from Virginia Commonwealth University. Other collaborations include co-organized exhibitions with other institutions and artist residencies in the schools or community.
Submissions should be sent to
Jennifer Lillis, Assistant Curator and Gallery Manager
McLean Project for the Arts
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean, VA 22101
tel: 703.790.1953
jlillis@mpaart.org
