Gallery 564 and Benfield Gallery are partnering to present "The Art of Contrast," one show at two venues!
Each gallery will display a curated selection of accepted works for the duration of the show. We invite artists to submit artwork focusing on how oppositions can enhance visual appeal, create tension, or convey deeper meaning.
Participants can submit up to six new works of art by midnight on Sept 3. To enter, see submission info below.
Inspiration can include:
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Visual Contrast: The dramatic use of light and shadow, complementary colors, or opposing textures (like smooth metal next to rough wood).
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Conceptual Contrast: Pairing conflicting ideas within a single piece, such as tradition versus innovation, nature versus technology, or chaos and order.
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Media Contrast: Combining vastly different artistic media, like delicate charcoal drawings on rough sandpaper.
Show Info:
Exhibition: October 10 – November 21, 2026
Submission deadline: Midnight on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Acceptance notifications will be emailed on September 7.
Art drop off: Sept 29 - Oct 4 (can be earlier if needed, location will be specified with acceptance email)
Pick up: Nov 21 - 28
Events:
Reception at Gallery 564 - Saturday, October 10, 1- 4 pm, Presentation of Awards @2 pm
Reception at Benfield Gallery - Friday, October 23, 6 - 8:30 pm at Benfield Gallery - Artists Talk @2 pm
Closing Parties - Saturday, November 21, 12 - 2 pm at Benfield Gallery, 2 - 4 pm at Gallery 564
Monetary Awards: Best in Show, Second Place, and three Awards of Merit.
A People’s Choice Award for each gallery will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
Juror: TBD
Images: Digital images are extremely important, as they are used to jury acceptance into the show and for promotional purposes.
Please title your digital image files in this format:
ArtistName_Title_MediumSizeHxW$Price.jpg
Example: PabloPicasso_Dusk_Oil12x16$500.jpg
We need this information in the file name due to the large number of entries for this show. Entries will not be accepted if the file is not named properly. Email digital images 1800-2500 pixels or approximately 2-4 megabytes in size to art@benfieldgallery.com. The image should show only the art, excluding the frame. We will promote selected images on the Benfield Gallery and Gallery 564 websites, show postcard, and on social media.
Gallery 564
Benfield Gallery
Participation Guidelines:
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Size Limitations: Two-dimensional works may not exceed 40” x 60”. Three-dimensional works may not exceed 30”x 30” x 30”. No work of art may weigh more than 60 pounds.
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All artwork submitted must be created solely by the artist; artwork produced in a workshop or class will not be accepted for the show. No AI-generated images.
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Images of accepted works are used at the discretion of the Galleries for informational or promotional purposes.
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Framed artwork must be delivered to the galleries in good condition. All artwork must be ready for hanging upon arrival. We reserve the right not to accept inadequate framing.
Note: Benfield Gallery offers a 20% discount to show artists for framing and Gallery 564 is offering a 20% discount on printing.
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All artwork must be available for sale.
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All artwork should be less than five years old.
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The Galleries will be entitled to 50% of artwork sales. The artist will be entitled to 50% and will be paid on the 15th of the month following a sale.
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The artwork will be handled with all possible care. The Galleries will not be responsible or liable for loss or damage from any cause whatsoever. If desired, insurance must be carried by the artist.
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A Guest Artist Consignment Agreement must be signed to participate. A copy will be sent via email upon acceptance.
To Submit Entries:
Step 1: Email your digital images to galleries.sp@gmail.com
Include in your email message:
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First and last name
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Phone number
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Address
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Title, size, medium, and price for each of your submissions
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Let us know your method of payment for the entry fee and the amount
Please title your digital image files named in this format:
ArtistName_Title_MediumSizeHxW$Price.jpg ~ Example: PabloPicasso_Dusk_Oil12x16$500.jpg
Images should be 1800-2500 pixels in size (approximately 2-4 megabytes) and show only the art, excluding the frame.
Step 2: Pay the entry fee with one of these methods:
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Check mailed to Gallery 564 (564 Baltimore Annapolis Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146)
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In person at Gallery 564 by cash, check, or card
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Check dropped off at Benfield Gallery
Payment Info:
Entry Fee: $25 for 1 or 2 entries, additional 1-3 entries are $5 each.
Example: 4 entries: $25 + $5 + $5 = $35
Entry fees are non-refundable and can be paid by:
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Check mailed to Gallery 564 (564 Baltimore Annapolis Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146)
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In person at Gallery 564 by cash, check, or card
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Check dropped off at Benfield Gallery
Benfield Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I enter the show?
Email your digital images to galleries.sp@gmail.com (see info above) and pay the entry fee online using the payment link, by check in the mail, or in person at Gallery 564. Checks can also be dropped off at Benfield Gallery.
Where do I drop off my art?
Your acceptance email will indicate which gallery your art will hang in; you should drop off your work at that gallery.
What if I'm unable to drop off or pick up my work during the designated times?
No problem. Please let us know, and we'll be happy to accommodate you.
Can I win an award without attending the reception?
Yes, we will announce your name and arrange for you to receive your check.
How many pieces can I enter?
You can enter one to six pieces.
I already sent my submission, but would like to add another piece. Can I do that?
Yes, as long as the total is six or less. Send an email with your info and the image, then make another payment with the additional cost.
Can I specify which gallery I want my art to hang in?
No, we will decide which art will hang together based on the submissions we receive and will let you know the location in your acceptance email.
If I want to visit the gallery or drop off work, where can I park?
At Benfield Gallery: There is parking right in front of the building, with a few steps up to the door. We have a wheelchair ramp on the left side of the porch.
At Gallery 564: There is limited parking right in front of the building, and a large parking lot across the street.
Is it possible to visit both galleries in one day?
Yes, both galleries are in Severna Park and about an 8-minute drive apart.
What mediums of art are accepted?
Pretty much any medium is welcome, from traditional painting and photographs to collage and drawings. Show us your creativity! Digital art is accepted, but no AI-generated images.
Gallery 564
Contact Info:
Benfield Gallery
485 Jumpers Hole Rd
Severna Park, MD 21146
Benfield Gallery: 410-544-2299
Tuesday - Friday 12-6 pm, Saturday 12-3 pm
Appointments are available both during and outside of our regular business hours.
Gallery 564
564 Baltimore Annapolis Hwy
Severna Park, MD 21146
Gallery 564: 443-871-1195
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
and by chance or appointment