Rules and Procedures

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1. About the Art Show

The 2027 MCOA National Specialty Art Show is a fundraiser event designed to provide artists of all skill levels with an opportunity to display their creativity and share their work with the Mastiff community. Mastiff-related artwork is especially encouraged!

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The show will be held from Tuesday, May 25th 2027 to Saturday, May 29th, 2027 during the MCOA National Specialty at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, North Carolina.

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2. Eligibility

1. The competition is open to anyone. MCOA members receive an entry fee discount (see Section 8 below).

2. Competition will be split between Adult (age 18 and over), Student (grades 7 through 12) and Student (grades K through 6)

3. A special Pee-Wee (pre-Kindergarten) competition will be offered. This will be one category (any type of artwork) and each entrant gets a prize.

4. Artwork created fully or partially by AI is not eligible in any category except for “Digital Art”.

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3. Artwork Categories

Artwork may be entered in one of the following categories:

1. Drawing

2. Painting

3. Mixed Media

4. Photography

5. Digital Art (includes AI and altered photography)

6. Fiber/Textile Art

7. Ceramics/Pottery

8. Sculpture and 3D

9. Glass

10. Jewelry

The organizers reserve the right to move an entry to a more appropriate category if necessary.

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4. Entry and Display Requirements

1. All artwork must be the original work of the participating artist.

2. Artwork entries must be made online no later than April 30th.

3. Artwork must be brought to showgrounds on May 24th or May 25th.

4. Each entry must include the artist's name, title of the work and medium, and dimensions.

5. 2D artwork should be framed and ready to hang. Artwork up to 24” width will be hung on display grids. If artwork is over 24” wide, you must provide a display easel for the piece.

6. 3D artwork should be stable and suitable for display on a table.

7. The organizers have the right to determine the placement of artwork within the exhibition.

8. No glitter is allowed on any artwork (venue policy).

9. There is no limit to number of entries each artist may submit.

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5. Originality and Ownership

1. Artists must have the legal right to submit and display their work.

2. Entries must not unlawfully reproduce another artist's copyrighted work.

3. If recognizable copyrighted material, photographs, characters, logos, or other third-party material are incorporated into an artwork, the artist is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions.

4. By entering the competition, the artist confirms that the information provided about the artwork is accurate.

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6. Content Guidelines

The organizers may reject or remove artwork that:

1. Contains unlawful or threatening content

2. Promotes discrimination or harassment

3. Presents a safety hazard

4. Damages or creates a risk to the exhibition space

5. Violates applicable laws or venue policies

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7. Entry Fees

1. For MCOA Members, the first entry is $10. Each additional entry is $5

2. For non-MCOA Members, the first entry is $20. Each additional entry is $10

3. For the Pee-Wee (pre-Kindergarten) competition, the entry fee is $5

4. Artwork may be donated for silent auction during the MCOA Banquet. The entry fee is waived for any donated artwork.

5. The fee is due at the time of online entry.

6. Fees are non-refundable unless the competition is cancelled.

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8. Judging

A judge (or judging panel) will evaluate eligible artwork using the following criteria:

• Originality and Creativity – 25%

• Technical Skill and Craftsmanship – 25%

• Composition and Design – 20%

• Concept and Artistic Expression – 20%

• Overall Impact – 10%

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9. Judging Procedure

1. Judging will take place on Friday, May 28th.

2. 1st through 4th placements in each class will receive a rosette.

3. A Best-in-Art-Show for each age group will be awarded (3 total).

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10. Photography and Publicity

By entering the competition, artists grant the organizers permission to photograph or record their artwork for purposes such as:

• Exhibition promotion

• Competition publicity

• Social media

• MCOA Website

• Future promotional materials

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11. Removal of Artwork

1. Artists must collect their artwork on Saturday, May 29th between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm

2. Artists should provide written authorization if another person will collect their work.

3. Donated artwork shall remain, and will be moved to the banquet room by members of the show committee

4. Any rosettes awarded to donated artwork should be collected by the artist on Saturday, May 29th, prior to the banquet.

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12. Changes to the Rules

The organizers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the competition schedule, procedures, categories, or rules when necessary.

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13. Acceptance of Rules

Submission of an artwork constitutes the artist's acknowledgment that they have read, understood, and agreed to follow the competition's rules and procedures. Please email MCOACorrespondingSecretary@gmail.com if you have any questions, and keep an eye on the MCOA National Specialty website for further announcements and entry notifications: www.mastiffclubofamerica.com/nationalspecialty