The Essence of a Woman 2026

MVA Gallery — Modern Visual Arts — is a gallery at 35 E. Elizabeth Avenue in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, showing painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and more. The Essence of a Woman is its national themed exhibition for fall 2026.

The brief asks artists to explore in art the essence of a woman — her physical, psychological, and spiritual characteristics. That can mean a simple portrait of a woman in tranquil repose or a complex image of her actively performing personal and professional roles; she can reveal vulnerability or strength. Environmental portraits showing an individual in her surroundings are explicitly welcomed.

Accepted media span painting, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media, digital, pastel, encaustic, sculpture, fiber, drawing, and photography.

The exhibition runs October 10 through November 7, 2026 at the gallery. Awards include a $200 Director's Choice, an Art of Distinction award carrying a special future exhibition, an annual Grand Prize with a New York City exhibition opportunity, and an honorable mention granting a free future submission. Selection is by an anonymous rotating committee of artists, gallerists, reviewers, publishers, and academics.

Entry is $35 for 3 images, $5 each additional up to 9 total. Open to current US residents aged 18 and over. Submission is via CaFE. The deadline is June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM MDT; notifications go out on or about August 17, and accepted work is due at the gallery by October 6.