RAA&M NATIONAL JURIED SHOW
Saturday, November 14 – Thursday, December 31, 2026
Hibbard & Maddocks Galleries, and Online
Gala & Awards Reception: Friday, November 13, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM (Ticket Details TBA)
The Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M) invites artists from across the country to enter our annual juried exhibition celebrating the best of contemporary and traditional fine art.
Over $25,000 in Cash and Merchandise Awards! $5,000 Grand Prize
Juror of Selection and Awards: Garin Baker
The submission period for images is from July 16 – September 7, 2026, via OnlineJuriedShows.com.
Artists do not need to be members of RAA&M to enter artwork for this exhibition.
2026 RAA&M NATIONAL – IMPORTANT DATES
Online Submissions Begin: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Deadline for Submissions: Monday, September 7, 2026
Acceptance Announcement: Friday, September 25, 2026. Results will be available in your OnlineJuriedShows artist profile.
Shipment Delivery Deadline: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Accepted Artwork Drop-Off Day: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Gala & Awards Reception: Friday, November 13, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM (Ticket Details TBA)
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, November 14 – Thursday, December 31, 2026
Judge’s Talk: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Artwork Pick-Up Day: Saturday, January 2, 2027 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
SUBMISSION CRITERIA AND CONTENT
Entries must be original. Work created in an instructional setting, including workshops and classes, is not permitted. Once artwork is submitted, it may not be withdrawn. Any artist who withdraws their work after acceptance into the exhibition shall not be eligible to enter RAA&M National for two years. All artwork must remain hanging until the end of the exhibition unless sold.
All artwork must be wholly created by the artist. No use of Artificial Intelligence, either in the conception or development of the artwork, is permitted in any medium. Photography images must originate with the artist via a light capture process. Editing or alteration of images for photography is permitted when all the components of the work are created by and belong to the artist. No synthetic or artificially generated images, stock images, clip art, or replacement skies created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI Generative’ images) are allowed, and no use of artificially generative fill is allowed.
LOCATION
The Aldro T. Hibbard Gallery and the Maddocks Gallery, the main galleries at the Rockport Art Association & Museum, 12 Main Street Rockport, MA 01966.
ARTWORK FORMAT, PRESENTATION, AND SIZE REQUIREMENTS
· Submissions are limited to four artworks per artist in the following media categories: painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, photography, *original printmaking, and sculpture.
· Maximum canvas/image/sculpture size: 36 inches on the longest side, plus a reasonably sized frame. Oversized submissions will be disqualified.
· Entries must be signed, dry, and properly prepared for exhibition. Frames must be in good condition.
· Two-dimensional artwork must be framed and securely wired for hanging. The wire and eye screws must not show when the artwork is hung. Works on paper must be covered with glass or plexiglass.
· Gallery wrapped canvas does not require framing unless the edges are unfinished.
· Photographs printed on metal must have finished edges and a secure wire for hanging.
* Original printmaking must be manually created as an original work of art. This category includes woodcuts, engravings, linocuts, collagraphs, etchings, aquatints, drypoints, monotypes, silkscreens, etc. Reproductions of artwork will not be accepted.
ENTRIES AND FEES
· The exhibition will be juried using JPEGs submitted through OnlineJuriedShows.com.
· Up to four entries: $40 for RAA&M members and $50 for non-members for the first entry, plus $10 for each additional entry. Fees are non-refundable.
· If an artist is accepted into the exhibition, only one of their submissions will be selected. There is no guarantee of acceptance into the exhibition.
We encourage anyone who is not a Juried Artist Member of RAA&M to become a Contributing Member to reduce the cost of the first entry. Please visit the RAA&M website for information and dues payment: https://www.rockportartassn.org/-membership.
FORMAT FOR DIGITAL IMAGES (JPEGS)
· All entries must be submitted in a digital JPEG format, either cropped to remove the background or on a black background without a mat or frame.
· JPEG image resolution and size: at least 72 dpi, 1920 pixels on the longest side, and under 4 MB.
· Images should be in sRGB colorspace (the standard format for image editing software).
· Photos of the artwork should not be taken through glass or plexiglass.
· Image quality is critical: poor photography and presentation may affect acceptance by the juror. Digital images must be representative of the artwork.
For help with submissions, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351.
SALES
· All artwork must be for sale. Prices cannot be changed from those stated in the submission.
· Accepted artwork must be reserved for the RAA&M National Juried Show 2026, and we require that artists refrain from selling the piece in advance.
· Artwork pricing should closely represent the established market value of the artist’s work.
· RAA&M will receive a 40% commission based on the original price for all artwork sales from the exhibition or as a result of the exhibition. The artist will receive 60%. Artists should expect payment within four weeks after the closing of the exhibition. All sales are final.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By entering RAA&M National 2026, the artist acknowledges that all reasonable care will be taken to safeguard the artwork on the premises, and said person accepts that RAA&M and its agents, directors, officers, staff, and volunteers will not be held responsible for any damage, injury, liability, loss, or theft should any occur. Insurance for artwork entered in this exhibition is the individual artist’s responsibility.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
If accepted artwork is being shipped, it must arrive at the Rockport Art Association & Museum no later than Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The RAA&M will store artists’ boxes and return-shipping labels to send back artwork at the completion of the exhibition. Artwork must be packaged securely, and the shipping box must be sturdy enough to re-use for the return shipment. Wooden crates are not allowed. All shipments of artwork must include a prepaid return-shipping label.
Mailing address:
Rockport Art Association & Museum
Attn: Margaret Redington
12 Main Street
Rockport, MA 01966
REPRODUCTION OF ARTWORK
Any artwork entered in this exhibition may be reproduced for advertising, marketing, and promotional purposes for RAA&M National 2026 or future exhibitions without consent from or notification to the artist or the artist’s agent.
EXHIBITION CONTACT EMAIL:
raamnational@gmail.com
RAA&M NATIONAL 2026 AWARDS
Christopher A. Hamilos Memorial Award of $5,000 for Best in Show in Any Medium –
Sponsor: Kathy Hamilos
Second Place Award of $3,000 for Any Medium –
Sponsor: Custom Basements of New England, LLC
Third Place Award of $2,000 for Any Medium –
Sponsor: Karen Berger
The Nancy A. Kommers Memorial Award of $1,500 for Excellence in Marine Painting –
Sponsor: Kristin Kommers Czarnecki and Paul Czarnecki
Alden Bryan Memorial Award of $1,000 & Gold Medal for Traditional Landscape Painting in Oil –
Sponsor: The Vermont Community Foundation
Mary Bryan Memorial Award of $1,000 & Gold Medal for Contemporary, Representational, or Semi-Realistic Watercolor –
Sponsor: The Vermont Community Foundation
Best Architectural Painting Award of $1,000 –
Sponsor: Lisa LaGambina
Alison Roberts Malkowych Memorial Award of $1,000 for a Painting or Drawing with a Family/Children Theme –
Sponsor: John Walsh
Cathy Hamilton Walsh Memorial Award of $1,000 for a Painting or Drawing of Animals –
Sponsor: John Walsh
Gallery Montanaro Award of $750 for Excellence in Painting in the Cape Ann Tradition –
Sponsor: Gallery Montanaro (Todd and Ashley Montanaro)
Robert Allyn Bosselman, Sr. and Lucienne Marie Sasco Memorial Award of $500 for Traditional Painting, Drawing, or Sculpture –
Sponsor: Robert Allyn Bosselman, Jr.
In Memory and Gratitude of the Greatest Generation Award of $500 for Traditional Painting, Drawing, or Sculpture –
Sponsor: Robert Allyn Bosselman, Jr.
Folly Cove Fine Art Award of $500 for Excellence in Oil Painting –
Sponsor: Folly Cove Fine Art
Elinor and Geoffry Juviler Award of $500 for Excellence in Original Printmaking –
Sponsor: Elinor and Geoffry Juviler
Best Figurative/Portrait Painting Award of $500 –
Sponsor: Leslie Lobell and Eric Timsak
Jim Iacono Memorial Award of $400 for Excellence in Impressionist Painting –
Sponsor: Sidoti Gallery of Fine Art
RAA&M Photographers Award of $350 for Excellence in Fine Art Photography –
Sponsor: RAA&M Photography Members
Award Also Includes a $150 Gift Certificate Provided by Post Road Framers
BankGloucester Award of $300 for Abstract Art –
Sponsor: BankGloucester (Bank President Patrick Thorpe)
Award Also Includes a $250 Artist Materials Gift Certificate Provided by Holbein
RAA&M President’s Award of $300 for Traditional Coastal Painting –
Sponsor: Harley Bartlett
Award Also Includes a $250 Gift Certificate Provided by JFM Frames
RAA&M Board of Governors Award of $300 for Excellence in Non-Traditional Contemporary Artwork –
Sponsor: Philip and Kimberly Garton
Award Also Includes a $250 Artist Materials Gift Certificate Provided by Holbein
BankGloucester Award of $300 for Sculpture –
Sponsor: BankGloucester (Bank President Patrick Thorpe)
Award Also Includes a $100 Gift Certificate Provided by Blick Art Materials
RAA&M Board of Governors Award of $300 for Excellence in Fine Art Photography –
Sponsor: Philip and Kimberly Garton
Award Also Includes a $75 Gift Certificate Provided by The Finer Image Photo
Paul Goodnow Memorial Award of $250 for Traditional Landscape in Oil –
Sponsor: Stapleton Kearns
Award Also Includes a $250 Gift Certificate Provided by MAKO Art Supply (Leo Mancini-Hresko)
The Emerson Dusk to Dawn Award of $250 for Excellence in a Sunset, Sunrise, or Nocturne Painting –
Sponsor: The Emerson Inn
Award Also Includes a $250 Gift Certificate Provided by JFM Frames
RAA&M Photographers Award of $250 for Excellence in Fine Art Photography –
Sponsor: RAA&M Photography Members
Award Also Includes a $150 Gift Certificate Provided by FinerWorks
Parco Fine Art Award of $250 for Representational Painting or Sculpture –
Sponsor: Parco Fine Art (Leonard Parco)
Award Also Includes a $100 Gift Certificate Provided by Blick Art Materials
Palate & Palette Award of $250 for Figurative Realism –
Sponsor: Amy Allen and Michael Wiklund
The Henri Cartier-Bresson Inspiration Award of $250 for Excellence in Street Photography, Cityscapes, or Environmental Portraiture –
Sponsor: Barry Berman
Honorable Mention 1 – Includes a $100 Gift Certificate Provided by Ampersand Art Supply
Honorable Mention 2 – Includes a Materials Bundle Provided by Strathmore Artist Papers
Honorable Mention 3 – Includes a MetalPrint Gift Certificate Provided by Bay Photo Lab
People’s Choice Award of $250 – Selected by the Votes of Visitors to the Exhibition
We are honored to welcome Garin Baker as our Juror of Selection and Awards
Garin Baker was born in 1961 in New York City and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. After studying at Pratt Institute in the early 1980s, he established a successful career as both a fine artist and illustrator while still in his early twenties. This early success enabled him to support his young family while restoring a historic 1790 stone house in New York’s lower Hudson Valley, where he continues to live and work today.
Deeply committed to painting from direct observation, Baker’s work ranges from intimate figure studies to ambitious large-scale multifigure compositions. His major studio paintings, developed through extensive plein air studies, compositional drawings, and life sketches, celebrate the beauty and complexity of everyday existence while reflecting the shared experiences of contemporary life. His paintings seek not only to capture likeness and objective reality, but also to reveal deeper truths and the essential spirit of the human experience.
For more than eighteen years during the middle of his career, Baker worked extensively as a professional muralist and lead artist on numerous community-based public art projects. He was commissioned to create large-scale murals for municipal governments, corporations, businesses, and grassroots organizations throughout the United States and abroad. Many of these acclaimed public works have become cultural landmarks, fostering civic pride and strengthening community identity. During this period, Baker was also invited to speak on panels and symposiums addressing art in the public realm, including engagements at Princeton University and in Washington, D.C. for Americans for the Arts.
For over a decade, Baker has served as a highly regarded instructor at the Art Students League of New York, helping continue the institution’s long-standing legacy as one of America’s most influential centers for artistic training since 1885. His paintings are included in major public and private collections and have received significant recognition, including the Grand Prize at Plein Air Easton, the Irvine Museum Award, and repeated invitations to exhibit in the American Masters Exhibition in New York City. Baker’s work has been widely featured in publications including The Washington Post, New York Magazine, American Artist, Fine Art Connoisseur, PleinAir Magazine, and many others.
What is the RAA&M National Juried Show?
RAA&M National 2026 is a juried exhibition for artists across the United States to exhibit artwork crafted in a wide range of media (painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, photography, original printmaking, and sculpture) at the prestigious Rockport Art Association & Museum. It is a unique opportunity to engage in true cultural exchange: introducing new artistic influences from beyond the Cape Ann region to local artists and the public alike while simultaneously presenting the talents of our native Cape Ann artists to the nation at large.
The submitted artworks are selected through a rigorous digital jurying process, with winning pieces being juried in person and awarded monetary prizes ranging from $250 to $5,000. Many regionally – and nationally – recognized artists participate in this show year after year in what has become the crown jewel in the Cape Ann art scene’s yearly calendar of events!
RAA&M National 2023 Gala highlights!
Gala Reception in the Hibbard Gallery – RAA&M National 2022
Opening Reception in the Hibbard Gallery – RAA&M National 2019
RAA&M National Exhibition 2019 - Maddocks Gallery
special thanks to our distinguished RAA&M National jurors:
2025: Cindy Baron
2024: Vlad Duchev and Donald Demers
2023: John C. Traynor
2022: Ken DeWaard and Linnea Leeming
2021: Teresa Oaxaca & Mark Boedges
2020: Cindy House & Bruce Herman
2019: Joanne Rothschild & Tom Hughes
