Call for Artists: Connecting People & the Arts in Markham
Art has a unique power to bring us together. We are seeking artwork that celebrates our 45th Anniversary and the deep connections between people and the arts right here in Markham. Our connection with our community can be grounded in the landscape, people or your emotional response to our surroundings. In your unique style, show us your vision of our community!
Location: McKay Art Centre, 197 Main St. Unionville, ON
Dates: October 14 – 18, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 15, 7 pm – 9 pm
Show Hours: 11 am – 8 pm
Sitters Hours: 3 shifts: 11 am – 2 pm; 2 pm – 5 pm; 5 pm - 8 pm
Submissions:
- Online Submissions: September 10 – 30, 2026
- Members may submit up to two paintings for selection.
- Entry Fee: $35 for up to 2 paintings. Maximum 40” width
- Curation: As we are limited by space and to ensure everyone is represented, one or two pieces per participating artist will be curated into the exhibition.
- The Markham Connection: Along with your artwork, please provide a one- sentence statement sharing how your piece connects to our MGA community.
Submission Guidelines
- Paintings must be submitted on the website by the deadline date, September 30. No late entries accepted.
- All paintings must be for sale.
- Entry fees are payable by credit card online during the submission process.
- All details on the registration form must be correctly completed before work is submitted.
- Images meet the following specifications: a. Must be in jpg format only b. Only the image of your artwork should show (no frames or extraneous backgrounds) c. Images must not be smaller than 1500px on its longest side d. Image files cannot exceed 5 MB e. Image files are to be named using the following convention: FirstName.LastName_Title.Medium.Size.jpg (ie:Jane.Doe_title.acrylic.12x24) f. Every painting must have a unique name, e.g. Untitled paintings by the same artist must be differentiated in some way.
- All submissions confirm that the artist has read and will abide by the show rules and obligations. No refunds will be given after submission is complete.
- For each entry, please have the following information ready when submitting: a. Title b. Media c. Size d. Price e. Description: Include a description of how your artwork relates to the show’s theme – this information will be posted in the gallery next to your painting. Include your website, social media and contact info if you want clients to contact you. This information will be listed with each painting on the website and on the MGA social media platforms.
- MGA will process sales during the McKay Art Centre show and retain 20% of the sale. If you sell your painting after the show, while it is being promoted on MGA's social media sites, please contact markhamartists@gmail.com and your painting will be marked sold on the website.
- Artists are encouraged to promote the gallery within your networks and on social media.
Artwork Eligibility:
- Submitted work must be original two-dimensional artworks in all traditional paint media, including collage and fibre media that is entirely the work of the artist
- The artwork was created within the last two years and not previously exhibited in an MGA juried show.
- The artwork was executed without the supervision of an instructor or in a class or workshop.
- All paintings must be for sale
- Entries must not be copies, derivatives, or based in any way on other artists’ paintings, photographs, or other artistic work. a. Works must be appropriate for public display for all ages. Works must not be offensive or condescending towards any race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, and must not be used to promote or oppose political views. MGA reserves the right to refuse to accept a piece of artwork.
- Any paintings not within these guidelines will not be accepted for jurying and no refund will be given. All decisions made by the juror are final.
Gallery shows: Artwork Guidelines:
- Paintings must not exceed 40” in width (including frame)
- All accepted pieces must be dry, securely wired using D-rings and ready to hang.
- Unframed works on canvas and wood must have finished sides.
- Paintings under glass must not exceed perimeter size of 124” (including frame) 30”x30”
- Paintings under plexiglass must not exceed perimeter size of 140” (including frame) 35”x35”
Conditions of Entry
- All members who submit paintings to a gallery show are required to sign up for a time to host/sit the show in the gallery during the October 14-18 duration of the show. All members who submit paintings must host/sit the show whether their paintings are accepted or not. Failure to fulfill this obligation will limit the artist’s future access to gallery show submissions.
- Artist Release: a. I grant permission to the MGA to use and publish my artwork on the Internet and to use photographs of my artwork for advertising, promotion, and any other purpose and in any manner or medium. b. By your submission to this show you are agreeing to assume all risks associated with your participation in The Markham Group of Artists Art Show, including but not limited to all claims, damages, costs, charges, liabilities and expenses for any damages sustained, including for any loss or damage to the artwork that you are voluntarily submitting and indemnify the MGA, its Directors and members and waive them from any and all actions, claims, demands for damages, loss or litigation, including all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred with respect to such matters.