Description

’Unique by Nature’ Juried Art Competition and Exhibition is hosted by the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) with help from Arts and Music Guild volunteers.

We created the Juried Art Show and Exhibition to build a public and permanent art collection for MPAC. Artists from all over the state of Texas submit work for cash prizes and the chance to have their pieces hung in our historic halls.

ONE large-scale work will be awarded a $6,000 Purchase Prize and become part of MPAC's permanent and public art collection. The large-scale work must be 36" on any dimension (not including the frame). No 3D work will be considered for the Purchase Prize.

Based on received applications, 10 large-scale pieces will be selected for the show.

Brian Molanphy, Professor of Art in the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU, will select finalists and choose the Purchase Prize in person.

Please see the Unique by Nature Prospectus for additional information, including the opportunity to submit work to the Non-Purchase Prize Category, which is also juried and judged by the Brian Molanphy .

Any additional sales will be handled by MPAC with a 25% commission to MPAC. These funds will be used to purchase additional work and to fund future competitions.

2025 CALENDAR
Category A: Large Works Purchase Prize Competition
Deadlines for Category A: Large Works Purchase Prize Competition
Friday, March 14 - Online entry submission deadline at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 20 - Notification of Finalists for Purchase Prize
Wednesday, March 26 - Deadline to deliver work

Art Show and Exhibition
Saturday, April 5 - Awards and Receptions Exhibition 6 - 8 p.m.
April 6 to April 26 - Work displayed
Sunday, April 27 - Retrieve work