St. Maries Choral Arts America 250 Call for Visual Artists
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, St. Maries Choral Arts’ (SMCA) 2026 concert season will feature American composers and writers from the 18th century up through today’s living composers.
The choir will delve into writings from Thomas Jefferson ("The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time,") and Emma Lazarus ("Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,…"), plus others.
Composers from the earliest Revolutionary-era, William Billings, to living Maryland music educator Reuben Burrows will also be represented.
Audiences will hear re-imagined melodies from Lowell Mason, Paul Simon, and Rodgers & Hammerstein and classic favorites by Samuel Barber and Harry T. Burleigh.
There is something delightful and meaningful for everyone in this program and SMCA wants YOU to be a part of it!
>Submit up to 3 samples of completed artwork from your portfolio PLUS one paragraph about your proposed art piece themed around America 250.
>Proposals may celebrate or discuss this 250-year American experiment of courage and compassion, hope, determination, difficulties, and triumphs.
>The selected artist(s) will create the proposed work to be showcased on stage during the St. Maries Choral Arts Spring 2026 concert season. The selected artist(s) will each win a $250 cash prize!
General Guidelines:
Artists age 18 and over are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be a resident of St. Mary’s, Calvert, or Charles County.
Three samples from the artist’s current portfolio and a paragraph about the proposed artwork are required as part of the application. Artwork samples may span digital, canvas, photography, mixed media, etc. (any media of the artist’s choice).
Selected winner(s) will create a new piece of artwork themed around America 250 for the Spring 2026 SMCA Concert Season, be acknowledged in the SMCA concert printed materials, and each will receive a cash prize of $250.
Please only submit artwork you have already completed. Do not create a new piece unless you are selected as a winner.
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST.
Notification of Winner(s): No later than Sunday, April 26, 2026 by 5 PM EST.
The winning art piece(s) must be completed and ready for display no later than Friday, May 22, 2026.
Concert Presentation Period: May 30, May 31, June 6, and June 8, 2026. Click here for concert locations and details.
Winner Artwork Guidelines:
Work must be themed around America 250.
Work is not limited to any form and is up to the discretion of the winning artist within reason.
Artist(s) may set up their piece(s) at the concerts or allow SMCA members to set up the displays.
Wall art must be framed with a sawtooth or wire hanger.
Canvas pieces do not have to be framed but still require either a sawtooth or wire hanger. The sides must be painted if not framed.
Sculpture pieces must come with their own stand.
All work must be family-friendly and suitable for viewing by visitors of all ages.
After the concert season ends, artists will be contacted by email to schedule a time for pick up. All artwork must be picked up within 30 days of the end of the last show.
Through submission of the application, the artist agrees to the terms above.
Questions? Email St. Maries Choral Arts here.
