All members in good standing are encouraged to participate in the annual gallery show. The following guidelines are intended to guide you through the many changes we have made to this year’s show. If something is unclear please don’t hesitate to contact Elton, or another member of the executive committee.

1. Submission Rules

• Images shown in previous years may not be submitted again.

• Each member may submit up to six photographs.

• A maximum of three submissions may be designated as old photographs.

  • Members may submit only old photographs if the total is three or fewer.

  • If six photos are submitted, at least three must be new.

  • An old photograph is defined as one taken prior to April 21, 2025. (last year’s deadline for entries)

• All members who submit work will have at least one photo accepted into the show.

2. Submission Process

• Submissions must be reduced‑size prints placed inside the standard envelope provided by the club. Print size will be dictated by the size of the envelope.

• Each member will be assigned a submission number to ensure anonymity. This number will be used in place of your name on both the envelope and your prints.

  • Write this submission number on the outside of the envelope

  • A master list of member names and their corresponding submission numbers will be maintained by the club.

• On the back of each print, include:

  • Your assigned submission number

  • The number of the photograph

  • The title of the photograph

  • Whether it is old or new

  • Do not write your name on the prints or envelope.

• Reduced‑size prints must match the quality and come reasonably close to the aspect ratio of the final framed print . They should be sized to fit inside the provided envelope.

• Members having a problem producing submission prints that fit these criteria are encouraged to contact Elton Scifres (escifres2@gmail.com) or Becky Fleck (fleck.rebecca@gmail.com) for assistance.

• Submissions must be delivered to the Cole Center on or before May 27th. Members are responsible for meeting the deadline.

• The Cole Center Director, Weelynd McMullan, and his staff will serve as jurors and curators.

  • Acceptance will be indicated by a circle around the name of the photograph on the outside of the envelope.

  • The Cole Center will produce a master acceptance list for the club.

• Juried submissions will be available for pickup at the Cole Center no later than June 2nd. Members will be notified if they are ready earlier.

• Any unclaimed submissions will be collected by a club officer on June 2nd and distributed at the June meeting.

3. Framing Rules

• Members are responsible for printing, matting, and framing their accepted photographs.

• Final prints must be made from full‑size files and should be reasonably close to the aspect ratio and quality of the reduced‑size submissions.

• Photos may be mounted on the backing board provided with your frame or on foam board.

• Mats must be white, with a recommended border of at least two inches on each side.

• Frames must be plain, black, and no wider than 2 inches.

  • A protective glaze is required; glass or acrylic is recommended.

  • The club has a supply of 16×20 and 14×18 glass available for members.

  • Wood, metal, or composite frames are acceptable.

• Maximum frame size: 24×24 inches.

  • Any aspect ratio is allowed as long as no side exceeds 24 inches.

• Frames must be delivered with wire hangers attached.

• Wire and D-rings for hanging photos will be provided by the club.

Framing Tip:
Frame dimensions refer to the interior groove where the glass, mat, and backing rest. A 16×20 frame fits a 16×20 mat and backing. With a 2‑inch mat border, the largest print that fits inside a 16×20 frame is 12×16. Of course, a variety of aspect ratios can be used within standard frame sizes.

4. Delivery of Accepted Work

• Framed photographs must be delivered to the Cole Center on or before June 30th.

• Members are responsible for retrieving their work after the show closes. Pickup dates will be announced.

5. Judging and Awards

• Judging will be conducted by Cole Center Director Weelynd McMullan, assisted by his staff.

• Awards include:

  • First Plac

  • Second Place

  • Third Place

  • Honorable Mentions (number at the judge’s discretion)

• Judging will occur after the show is hung and before the opening reception.

• Awards will be announced at the opening, and the judge will provide comments on the winning photographs.

• Judging criteria:

o Appeal: Overall impact and personal response to the image

o Theme: How well the image fits the assigned theme

o Merit: Technical quality and execution