Masur Museum of Art's 64th Annual Juried Competition

Since 1963, the Masur Museum of Art’s Annual Juried Competition has been a platform for emerging contemporary artists working across the United States. Open to all media and styles, this exhibition has become the museum’s longest-running tradition and one of its most anticipated shows each year.

Each cycle, 1,000–1,500 works are submitted nationwide, while only a select group will be chosen to be on view for four months at the Masur. Alongside institutional recognition, chosen artists will compete for $3,200 in cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third place winners.

This is your opportunity to showcase your work to a diverse public audience, build your exhibition record, and be part of a tradition that has shaped the museum’s history for over sixty years.

Submit today and secure your chance to be part of this historical exhibition.

The Masur Museum of Art began building its collection in 1963 with the very first Juried Competition, when Ida Kohlmeyer, student of Mark Rothko, won first place, and the museum acquired her painting Immanence.

Today, the collection houses more than 500 works, including pieces by internationally renowned artists such as Picasso, Renoir, and Rodin. Yet a significant percentage of acquisitions have come directly through the museum’s long history of Juried Competitions. We remain committed to supporting and advancing the work of contemporary artists across the nation through both exhibition and acquisition.

This year's juror: TBA

Awards

Best in Show is $1,000.00 and total awards are $3,200.00.

Awards will be given by Hickey at the reception. A notification will be sent via provided e-mail announcing award recipients. Artists do not have to be present to receive awards.  Checks will be mailed after the reception.

Best Packed:  This award will honor the artist who packs their art in the most professional manner.  The award is $100.00.  No packing peanuts, feedbags, cigarette butts, etc.  These types of things will disqualify you!  Show your work and our staff the respect they deserve.  This prize will be decided by the Masur Museum staff.

Important Dates:

Monday, December 16, 2026. 11:59 pm: Online submission deadline

Jan 14, 2027: Artists are notified of the juror’s selections via provided e-mail

February 22 – March 4, 2027: Artwork delivery period

March 11 – May 15, 2027: Exhibition on view at the historic Masur Museum

Opening Reception: March 11, 2027

There is a $10.00 fee per entered artwork with a minimum of two entries and a maximum of five entries (i.e. $20.00 for two artworks and $50.00 for five artworks).  Fees are non-refundable. Artist entry fees help our museum remain free and open to the public, as well as assists with funds for programming and exhibitions throughout the year. 

All three-dimensional work must be submitted with a description or image of proper installation as well as dimensions including height, width, and depth to the nearest inch.  They must be no more than 84” tall with no more than a 40” x 40” footprint. The maximum accepted weight for three-dimensional work is 200 pounds. Please write info@masurmuseum.org with questions. We are flexible; exceptions can be made.

AI-generated submissions are NOT permitted.

Two-dimensional work cannot exceed 85” in height and 60” in width.

Video works must be submitted for consideration in their entirety and have a maximum duration of 5 minutes. 

Artist Statements: Statements should be limited to 250 words or less. 

There is no specific theme. Any work completed within the given timeframe is welcome. 

Accepted work may be for sale during the exhibition. The museum does not take any commission on these sales, nor do we consolidate sales beyond providing potential buyers with artists' contact information. 

To be considered for entry all work must be completed on or after December 31, 2024.

By submitting your artwork, you agree that accepted entries may be used for promotional purposes for this exhibition and future Juried Competitions. This includes: posts on social media and the Masur Museum website, posters announcing the event, brochures, and a banner in front of the museum. All works will be credited to the artist.

As part of our initiative to reduce waste, we have partnered with a local artist to turn our old exhibition banners into bags. These bags are for sale exclusively in the museum's gift shop. If your artwork is featured on the banner, a portion of that artwork may be used in the creation of these recycled bags. 

If your work exceeds the above-mentioned specifications, an exception may be made as long as you successfully communicate this issue in advance of your entry. Please address your concerns to info@masurmuseum.org.

All submitting artists must be over 18 years old and reside in the United States.  

To be considered for entry all work must be completed on or after December 31, 2024. 

If accepted, all work must be delivered to the Masur Museum between February 22 – March 4, 2027. Accepted artists are to provide a return shipping label before the exhibition ends or include it in their shipped work.

See Rules & Terms to Apply for more information.