Area artists are called to apply by
April 5 for the Michiana Annual Art Competition (MAAC).
The MAAC is a local, juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize, foster, and reward the excellence of artists in southwestern and western Michigan and northern Indiana. The popular, multimedia exhibit, “MAAC in the Box,” is held at the Box Factory for the Arts with support from members, area businesses, and corporate sponsors.
Entrants who are residents of the following counties will be given preference: Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Barry, Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties in Michigan; and Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties in Indiana.
Entrants may submit up to two works of art, which must be original in concept and execution, created within the past three years, and not previously exhibited at the Box Factory. This year, the photography categories will be combined into one, including both color and black and white. The painting category will be split into three categories (oil, acrylic, and water-based). The other categories artists can submit works under are fiber arts (weaving/quilting/knitting/
crocheting/baskets), 3D (sculpture/glass/ceramics/
assemblages), drawing (pastels/pencils/pen and ink/printmaking), and mixed media.
See complete applicant information at boxfactoryarts.org/maac/. Online applications for entries and a non-refundable entrance fee of $25 for one piece and $40 for two must be received by April 5.
The show will be on exhibit from May 15 to July 5, 2026.
Entrants are eligible to win first- and second-place prizes in eight categories of artwork. The artist winning the top prize, Best of Show, will be awarded $1,500. Judging the 2026 MAAC is Katherine Ransbottom, Associate Curator of the
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Artists and the general public are invited to the "MAAC in the Box" Opening Reception on Friday, May 15, from 5:30-7PM.
