62nd MEA/MAEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition
Annual juried art show for Michigan Education Association members. Submit original artwork in any media for consideration and potential purchase awards.
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) and Michigan Art Education Association (MAEA) invite members to submit original artwork for the 62nd MEA/MAEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition. This annual juried art show continues to expand and improve, welcoming artists from all experience levels and backgrounds within the MEA community.
This year's exhibition features several enhancements, including a new award category: Promoting Peace through Art, alongside existing awards for Best in Show, Juror's Choice, Honorable Mention, MAEA Purchase, and MEA Purchase. For the second consecutive year, the show will feature an artist's reception with award presentations.
The exhibition has modernized its processes by shifting from in-person to virtual art submission and judging, eliminating geographic barriers and reducing operational costs. This year's juror is Frank Juárez, an award-winning art educator, curator, and arts advocate from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, known for elevating contemporary art and curating exhibitions throughout the Midwest.
Eligibility is open to any member in good standing of MEA or MEA-Retired. Artists may submit up to three original artworks in any media, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, glass, fibers, and more. There is no entry fee required. Submissions are entirely digital, making participation accessible to artists across Michigan.
The committee has also improved infrastructure by securing new storage and inventory systems, enabling MEA field offices throughout the state to borrow and display purchased artwork more easily.
Accepted artwork can be conveniently dropped off at local MEA Representative Assembly locations in April or at MEA Headquarters in East Lansing. The art show and awards reception will be held July 29 at MEA Headquarters. Artwork pickup deadline is August 22; any pieces not purchased become MEA property.