The Michiana Annual Art Competition—or MAAC for short—showcases works by over 120 of the finest artists in the region. The popular, multimedia exhibit, “MAAC in the Box,” is held at the Box Factory for the Arts from May 15 through July 5 with support from members, area businesses, and corporate sponsors, including Visit Southwest Michigan.

Artists and the general public are invited to the MAAC Opening Reception on Friday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy drinks for purchase at the Box Bar, free refreshments, and the amazing array of works of art from Michiana artists.

The MAAC is a juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize and reward the excellence of artists in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana. 150 original works were selected for the exhibit. Katherine Ransbottom, the Associate Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, served as judge for the entries. 

Awards will be presented at the Opening Reception for artwork in eight categories, including painting (oil, acrylic, water-based); drawing (pastels, pencil, pen/ink, printmaking); photography; fiber arts (weaving, quilting, knit/crochet, baskets); 3D (sculpture, glass, ceramics); and mixed media. The artist winning the top prize, Best of Show, will be awarded $1,500. 

Visitors will have a chance to vote for their favorite piece of art. A People’s Choice Award will be determined by votes from the public during the run of the show. The winner will be announced after the exhibit ends on July 5. Each vote costs one dollar, with proceeds going to fund art programming at the Box Factory. Voting starts May 15 at https://www.gogophotocontest.com/maac

Admission: Free

Sponsor: Visit Southwest Michigan