How to Smoothly Enter, Exhibit, and Exit MAA Shows

by Jennifer Barlow

Putting on exhibitions for our hundreds of members is a tremendous undertaking—one that requires time, energy, patience, and careful coordination. Our VP of Shows, Kathy Tynan, does an extraordinary job orchestrating 12 full exhibitions each year, managing venues with strict guidelines and artists with a wide range of needs.

To support Kathy, our show managers, and the many volunteers who make these events possible, please take a moment to review and follow MAA’s best practices for entering, exhibiting, and exiting a show.

1. Read the Prospectus Carefully

Before entering, read the prospectus thoroughly and follow all instructions. If something seems unclear or doesn’t align with your plans, please reach out to the show manager before registration closes.

2. Bring Only Show-Ready Artwork

Artwork must be complete, fully dry, and either framed or have finished edges. All pieces must be properly wired and ready to hang.

3. Frame Your Work Correctly

MAA requires D-ring hooks and wires only—no sawtooth hangers. This ensures consistency and prevents damage. (Click here for framing guidelines.)

4. Deliver and Pick Up on Time

We understand exact timing can be difficult, which is why drop-off and pick-up windows span a range. Please respect our volunteers’ time by arriving within that window.
If you’re unable to come, ask a friend or post in the MAA Facebook Group for help.
Unclaimed artwork often ends up stored in board members’ homes for months as they try to reach artists—something we all want to avoid. Please help keep this process smooth and fair.

5. Follow the Digital Naming Convention

Each prospectus includes a required naming structure for your artwork files. This is essential for keeping hundreds of entries organized and ensuring our marketing team can correctly credit you in promotional materials.

6. Label the Back of Your Artwork

Before drop-off, place a label on the back with:
your full name, title, price, and contact information.
This helps us track your work, attribute sales correctly, and ensure it returns safely to you.

7. Choose Your Entries Thoughtfully

When deciding what to submit, please consider:

• Enter recent work

• If created in a workshop or class, please note that

These guidelines aren’t meant to be restrictive—they’re here to help our incredible volunteers showcase your artwork efficiently and professionally. In outside, public shows, failure to follow these practices often leads to rejected entries. While we do everything we can to be accommodating, adhering to these guidelines ensures your work can be displayed without issue.

By working together and following these simple steps, we can ensure every exhibition runs smoothly and continues to reflect the high standards of MAA. Thank you for helping make our shows a success!