Photography courtesy Maryland Federation of Art and Paint Annapolis
“Choices” by C. Lee was named Best in Show at MFA’s Circle Gallery.
Tucked in a cozy gallery in the shadow of the Maryland State House is a powerhouse of the local arts scene: the Maryland Federation of Art. The organization, now 62 years old, serves visual artists across the state and beyond, presenting more than 21 juried shows annually around the Annapolis Arts District.
If you’ve stopped into MFA’s Circle Gallery headquarters, admired works by hometown artists on the walls of area restaurants, dropped by summer exhibitions at Maryland Hall, seen the array of locally created paintings in the hallways of the House of Delegates, or browsed the MFA website, you’ve seen the remarkable variety of artwork that MFA supports. Its reputation extends nationally and internationally, attracting talented creatives to submit their works for display.
MFA Executive Director Patrice Drago says that the extensive calendar of exhibitions is a big draw for artists, as is the high bar that the organization sets for its shows. “Artists are interested in opportunities, and they like the quality of the jurors we attract,” she explains.
“Every year, when we sit down to decide our exhibition calendar, our goal is to open it to as many artists as we can. That produces a wide range of media, styles, and locations in the works we choose. We’re not limited to painting—we’re very conscious that three-dimensional artists are welcome, too.” With this wide-open embrace, MFA can showcase new trends in addition to a rich array of other works.
In addition to its seven staff members, MFA relies on a core group of volunteers. Its unpaid installation team, headed by local artist David Diaz, provides essential help in placing the artwork for each show. “We hang something new in the gallery every month,” Drago says, “and we could never afford to hire staff for installation.”
Perhaps the best-known event on the MFA calendar is coming up next month: Paint Annapolis, an inspiring celebration of works painted live en plein air (in open air). Held at pop-up locations and downtown galleries during the first week of June, it presents paintings that capture the light and atmosphere of the outdoors. In 2024, more than 100 artists participated, including artists who are juried into the competition and others who can apply for admission.
Photography courtesy Maryland Federation of Art and Paint Annapolis
Top: Art on the Avenue, Paint the Bay, and Dueling Brushes are among the events featured during MFA’s annual Paint Annapolis celebration. Bottom: An opening reception at a Circle Gallery exhibition.
During Paint Annapolis, painters choose subjects in all corners of the capital city, setting up their easels on sidewalks and docks to bring their visions to life. Their creations remain on display to the public for the following two weeks, and all are available for purchase. “It’s wonderful for the artists to make sales, and it also proves that the visitors who attend are really engaged,” Drago notes.
The 2025 slate of events kicks off on Sunday, June 1st with the popular Dueling Brushes competition at Susan B. Campbell Park, where participants get two hours to complete their submissions as passers-by look on. Tuesday is Paint the Bay day, especially loved in this coastal capital. Wednesday the theme shifts to twilight, as painters complete ‘nocturnes’ during the Dinner Under the Stars event on West Street. On Thursday, it’s Art on the Avenue, where participants compete for the best painting of an architectural feature in Annapolis. Cash prizes totaling more than $15,000 are awarded at the Friday evening Collector’s Party, and the entire Paint Annapolis oeuvre goes on display for two weeks starting on Saturday. Capping the week is a Sunday morning muffins and mimosas party featuring the presentation of the Mayor’s Award. Corporate partners PNC and Annapolis Subaru are the top sponsors of Paint Annapolis, with additional support from Visit Annapolis and National Harbor.
Following Paint Annapolis, MFA will present a new show, Introducing Interwoven Worlds: Art of APIMEDA Diasporas (June 26–July 26). A collaboration with the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University, it will feature works by Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Desi American artists that express their cultural heritage and uniquely American experiences. The Power of Color (July 30–August 23) promises a vivid collection of 2D and 3D works.
For next year, MFA has more in store: a new digital installation (“I want to see someone holding a hologram of Princess Leia in their hand,” Drago says with a wink) and a summer show entitled At Play.
“Our plan is to grow—but we need more space!” she says, echoing the refrain of arts groups across the city. In the meantime, MFA will be doing what it does best: encouraging artists to create, collectors to support, and art lovers to love through every program it presents. Learn more at mdfedart.com.
