A Closer Look - MAA Art Show
Juried
At the Kentland Mansion
Key Dates
Show Dates: July 17- October 4 Registration: May 4 - 18 Juried Art Selections: June 1
Art Drop Off: July 13, 10:00 am - noon Art Hanging: July 13, 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
Reception: July 23, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
ArtPick Up: October 5, 10:00am - noon
We are thrilled to announce our first show at the beautiful and historic Kentlands Mansion. This exceptional venue offers an incredible opportunity for MAA artists to showcase their work in one of the more important galleries in the area.
This is a juried exhibition of 50 artworks. Artwork at Kentlands Mansion will be displayed throughout both the first and second floors of the mansion, along with adjoining rooms that create the "gallery" experience.
What happens when you slow down and really look?
A Closer Look invites artists to explore observation, attention, and discovery—work that reveals something more the longer we spend with it.
This may mean focusing on quiet details, unexpected perspectives, or the layered beauty of everyday subjects—the expression on a face, the texture of weathered surfaces, shifting light across a landscape, or small moments often overlooked in daily life.
It may also mean looking beyond first impressions—finding meaning, emotion, or connection that becomes clearer through careful attention.
Artists are encouraged to create work that draws the viewer in and rewards a second glance—art that invites pause, curiosity, and deeper engagement.
Sometimes the most powerful subjects are not the grandest ones, but the ones we almost missed.
Show Juror and Considerations
We are excited to welcome Jennifer Kahn Barlow as juror for A Closer Look.
Jennifer is an award-winning oil painter whose celebrated work often explores the beauty, color, and emotion found in everyday confections. Her paintings have been exhibited throughout the Mid-Atlantic and featured in Washingtonian and Professional Artist, with work held in both public and private collections.
As juror, Jennifer will evaluate artwork based on technical merit, originality, composition, presentation, emotional impact, and how thoughtfully each piece engages with the theme A Closer Look. Judging philosophy: jkb-art.com/blog
As juror, Jennifer will evaluate artwork based on technical merit, originality, composition, presentation, emotional impact, and how thoughtfully each piece engages with the theme A Closer Look.
Judging philosophy: jkb-art.com/blog
Eligibility Requirements
Membership: All members are warmly invited to register their artwork for consideration. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting milestone for MAA!
If you are not a member and wish to participate in the show, please sign up for membership by clicking JOIN MAA.
Media: Original 2D artwork: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastel, encaustic, drawing/ink mediums, hand-pulled prints, fused glass, textile-fiber arts and digital painting (Digital Painting Requirements for MAA Shows) and Photography. All work must be consistent with the subject requirements and theme.
Number of Artworks Allowed: MAA members are invited to submit one artwork with an optional second for consideration in this show.
Artwork Size: All artwork must be less than sixty (60) inches in any dimension and weigh less than fifty (50) pounds.
Framing & Wiring Requirements: All artwork must conform to the MAA and the City of Gaithersburg framing and hanging requirements. See framing guidance FRAMING GUIDANCE; click additional link on the framing guidance page for Gallery wrapped work.
Artists Label: Artists must label the back of their artwork with the artist's name and the title of the artwork.
Show Prospectus : Please read the show prospectus carefully. This announcement provides an overview only and does not include all show requirements, eligibility details, artwork policies, authenticity requirements, insurance inforamtion, or the City of Gaithersburg's conditions for participation, including the right to disqualify artwork.
Volunteers Needed:
Volunteers will be needed for a variety of tasks to support this show. While registering your artwork - please also check off one of the volunteer tasks for this show. We will need help with art check in, art hanging and putting up labels, meet the artists, and art pick-up.
Thank You for Volunteering
Kentlands Mansion Art Gallery: The gallery is located at 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Contact: Direct all questions about this show to Holly Buehler, Show Manager at HollyBuehlerArt@gmail.com or Kathy Tynan, VP Shows at kftynan@gmail.com.
© 2025 Montgomery Art Association Inc., PO Box 2154, Kensington, MD 20891MAAartists@gmail.com
© 2025 Montgomery Art Association Inc., PO Box 2154, Kensington, MD 20891© 2025 Montgomery Art Association Inc., PO Box 2154, Kensington, MD 20891