This page will give you some of the basics for each show or exhibit. For actual requirements, please refer to the prospectus for each show or exhibit.
Member Shows/Exhibits
- These exhibits are not judged or juried.
- During the Summer season, Three entries may be entered.
- During the Winter season, only Two entries per artist will be accepted because we want everyone to have an opportunity to show their masterpieces.
- Media may include original class work in addition to those mentioned above.
- As of January 2026, there will be a $20 entry fee for all Exhibits.
- However, no reproductions and/or prints may be entered.
Judged & Juried Shows
- Judged and juried shows have fees and awards.
- Multiple works of art may be entered.
- Not all works may be selected by the judge.
- Entries must be original and may include two-dimensional paintings in all media, drawings, collage, hand-pulled prints, serigraphs, woodcuts, and batik.
- Diptychs will be considered two entries and we cannot guarantee they will be hung together.
- No sculpture, photography, computer art, copies, or class work may be submitted.
- Reproductions including laser, giclee, or iris prints may not be entered.
- An artist may receive only one award per show.
- Entries MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS.
Eligibility
- FMBAA members may enter all Exhibits and shows.
- Your membership dues must be current for the entirety of the show.
- All artists entering an Exhibit or Show are expected to gallery sit unless a hardship prevents them from doing so.
- Paintings which have won 1st, 2nd, 3rd place or Best of Show in any juried show may not be entered into a juried show but are ok for monthly exhibits.
- Paintings may be entered only once in the winter season (Oct.-April).
- All paintings must be conceived by the artist, painted without the help or assistance of another artist, and not painted in a class or workshop.
- Maximum size in any direction 50” including frame.
- Full size watercolor paintings must have acrylic glazing.
- Paintings on canvas must be framed or have “wrap around” canvas with the sides painted and no staples showing.
- The FMBAA reserves the right to exclude any painting with a subject matter deemed inappropriate.
Originality
For Judged Shows, paintings must be the artist’s own idea, composition and design, painted by hand, not copied from another artist’s or photographer’s work, in whole or in part, with or without permission, nor done in a live or online class or workshop, with input from an instructor. Photo references must have been taken by the submitting artist. Part of what you are being judged on is you composition. Anything done in a class where the instructor told you what to paint is not allowed in judged show – it is the instructor’s creation. If you are painting from a photo, the photo must have been taken by you. Photos taken by someone else are not acceptable, even if you have permission.
For non-Judged Exhibits, class and experimental pieces may be entered.
*** Refer to the actual prospectus for details.
Prospectus (SAMPLES)
Every show will have a prospectus – guidelines and rules pertaining to that specific show or exhibit. Additional requirements, fees, and awards will be listed on the specific prospectus so be sure to review the actual prospectus for each exhibit or show before entering.
Dust it Off
Whether your piece was just finished, hanging on your wall, or it has been hidden away in storage, please inspect your entry prior to coming.
- Make sure it shows the best image of you – the artist.
- Dust it off
- Clean the glass
- Are the matts clean?
- Inspect the frame – is in good shape?
- Make any necessary adjustments before coming to receiving
Finished Edges
- If your piece is on wood or gallery wrapped canvas, make sure the edges are painted or finished in some way.
- The preferred method for canvas is to continue the painting around the edges.
- Painting the edge and framing the canvas is also acceptable.
- Just remember that the piece should look finished and give the best impression of you, the artist.
Framing
- Framed paintings must have mats and frames in good condition
- All paintings must be thoroughly dry.
- Frames must be sturdy and hold together with no loose glass.
- Full sheet paintings must have Plexiglas.
- Unframed canvas paintings must continue over the edges to the back (without staples) and the edges must be painted.
- All paintings must have picture wire; no string, gallery clips, saw tooth hangers.
- Wire must measure at least 3” from top of frame when hung so that the hanging mechanism will not show when hung.
- Wire ends must be taped so nobody get hurt.
Wire and Hooks
“D” hooks or “Triangle hooks”
are the preferred method. Choose which ones supports the weight of your piece.
Please do not use screw eye hooks or staples to attach your wires.
Staples are not sturdy enough and will fail over time.
Screw eye hooks will damage our walls, will not lay flat against the wall, and could damage any painting they may lean against.
Don’t forget to put tape over the sharp edge of your wires.
(Protect the fingers of our hanging committee)
