2026 National Juried Photography Exhibition

Artists accepted to the Delaplaine Arts Center's bi-annual National Juried Photography Exhibition have their work on display through the month of November and have the opportunity to win a grand prize award of $1,000, second place for $500, third place, for $250 or honorable mention award for $125. This year, the NJPE juror will be E. Brady Robinson, a Baltimore-based photographer and creative director who teaches photography and senior seminar at Georgetown University and is a contributing photographer for BmoreArt and Baltimore Beat.

Overview

Part of FOCUS: A Celebration of Photography, the NJPE takes place every other year in November and showcases work from artists all over the country in a vast display of talent and exploration!

Accepted artists have their work on display through the month of November and have the opportunity to win a grand prize award of $1,000, second place for $500, third place, for $250 or honorable mention award for $125.

Accepted artwork will be announced by October 8. 

Exhibition Dates: November 7–29, 2026

Juror's Talk and Award Announcement: November 7, 2 pm.

2026 Juror

E. Brady Robinson is a Baltimore-based photographer and creative director known for her vibrant and eclectic mix of fine art photography, cultural documentation, and portraits of creatives. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions in the US and internationally, and her photographs are held in the permanent collections of the Orlando Museum of Art and the Spanish Cultural Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Robinson teaches photography and senior seminar at Georgetown University and is a contributing photographer for BmoreArt and Baltimore Beat.

Judging

The competition will be judged in two rounds:

1. The first round will be conducted virtually through the Delaplaine’s online exhibit entry portal, with the juror working remotely.  This round will determine which artworks will be accepted for exhibition.
2. The second round jurying for the Awards will be conducted in person after the artwork has been installed.

Dropoff, Display, and Pickup

1. All artwork accepted for exhibition are to be hand delivered or shipped and received at the Delaplaine at 40 S. Carroll Street in Frederick, MD from Sunday, October 25 through Saturday, October 31, 2026, during our normal business hours (Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm).
   • Artwork shipped to the Delaplaine MUST include a return label for return shipping.
2. The Delaplaine will insure the artwork from the time of delivery until the designated pick-up time (for an amount that shall not exceed the sale price less commission).
3. All accepted artwork must remain on display for the duration of the National Juried Photography Exhibition.
4. Artwork may be picked up from the exhibition from 4 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, November 29th, or 9 am to 5 pm on Monday November 30th.
   • Any other pick-up arrangements must be made in advance by contacting Corey Frey, Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager, at 301-698-0656 ext. 108 or cfrey@delaplaine.org.
   • Any work left at the Delaplaine for longer than the designated pick-up dates may be disposed of at the Delaplaine's discretion.

Artist Information

• Artist Full Name
• City and Country of Residence
• Phone
• Email
• Artist Statement
• Social Media Links (optional)
• Website (optional)

Artwork Information

• Work Samples: 1 to 3 Artworks with High Resolution images
• There are no theme, size or media requirements or restrictions for this exhibition.

Origin of Work 

• All artwork must be original in design and personal execution.
• Artworks must be the artist’s original work. 

Condition of Artwork at Dropoff, if Accepted

• Artwork must have been created by the applicant within the past two years. Artwork must not have been previously displayed at the Delaplaine. Artwork must remain on view for the duration of the exhibit. Artists are solely responsible for artwork preparation, delivery, and pick up.
• Accepted two-dimensional, wall-hanging work does not need to be framed but does need to be wired to a professional standard, delivered ready to hang. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS; they do not work with the Delaplaine’s professional hanging system. Wire should be affixed to the frame using D-ring or strap hangers in one smooth line. Please make sure that the picture hanging wire used is a suitable strength for the weight of your work. Framed work should be secured using offset clips and screws (works on canvas) or using points (flat works with backing board). ABSOLUTELY NO TAPE, DUCT TAPE, MASKING TAPE, OR OTHER UNSTABLE METHODS FOR SECURING WORK TO ITS FRAME.
• Accepted work may be refused because of framing or condition.
• Artists accepted into the exhibition will be provided with a drop-off form and label for the back in the top right-hand corner with the following information:
  • Artist name
  • Title
  • Medium
  • Sale price or not for sale (NFS) indication with insurance value
  • Preferred phone number
  • Email address
• Artwork label information for display in the exhibition will be taken directly from artists submission unless otherwise communicated with Corey Frey, Exhibitions Manager.