This 6th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition will meld the region’s rich concentration of photographic artists with an influx of national photographers in a juried competition offering more than $5000 in cash prizes.

In previous years, artists from more than 35 states have submitted work to be juried. Typically, between 60-70 works are selected for exhibition. The 2020 juror is Brownie Harris, acclaimed national photographer, whose work spans more than 40 years capturing portraits of some of America's most famous icons, supporting the television and film industry with work on prime-time shows Sleepy Hollow, Revolution and most recently, the Hulu original series, The Act. The Public Opening & Awards Ceremony will take place Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 6-8 pm. The exhibition will run from April 4-May 2, 2020.

Application Requirements and Restrictions

Applicants may enter no more than six (6) entries, with no maximum per category.

Artwork must meet the following criteria:

• All entries must be for sale.
• All entries must have been completed by the applicant within the past three (3) years.
• No entries will be accepted which have previously exhibited in the Allegany Arts Council galleries.

Categories and Descriptions

Category 1: Color
Two-dimensional photographic works of art printed in color on any medium/substrate (paper, canvas, metal, etc.) and using any process (wet darkroom, computer, etc), max 48” in width, professionally presented and wired for hanging.

Category 2: Monochrome/Black and White
Two-dimensional photographic works of art printed in black and white or monochrome on any medium/substrate (paper, canvas, metal, etc.) and using any process (wet darkroom, computer, etc), max 48” in width, professionally presented and wired for hanging. 

Category 3: Mixed-media: Photography as Sculpture
Photography as Sculpture category is defined as a mixed media, three-dimensional (non-“flat”) artwork composed of one or more of the artist’s photographic images – using a dynamic combination of materials, methods, concepts, and subjects that challenge traditional boundaries and defy easy definition.

This category does not include: texture on the surface of a two-dimensional (flat) print; stereoscopic photographs; two dimensional (flat) prints that portray a perspective-shifting, or pseudo-3D images.

All entries should be ready for display: free-standing, placed on a pedestal, or wired for hanging. Overall size may not exceed 48" in any dimension and weight may not exceed 35 lbs. If needed, standard electrical AC power (60Hz, 120V) is available. To best represent the work, we encourage the artist to submit a short video (under 5MB) or a single image incorporating multiple views of the artwork. This category is about presenting photography in a non-traditional way.

The sponsoring organization reserves the right to remove entries from this category which do not meet the requirements stated above.

Entry Guidelines

Applicants may enter up to two (2) works for $30.00 with each additional entry costing $15.00.

Applicants may enter up to six (6) works into the competition with no maximum per category. Please double-check entries using the Image Category Selector to specify which category each entry should belong. The Allegany Arts Council reserves the right to reclassify entries which do not select a category or which do not meet the stated guidelines of the selected category.

For applicants entering the experimental category, a single video for each entry may be submitted in lieu of a digital image. Digital files may not exceed 5MB. Each visual representation of submitted work, whether digital image or video, will count as a single entry.

For applicants entering only one entry- such as those for the Mixed Media: Photography as Sculpture category- the two image requirement must be fulfilled.  Simply rename your single entry, and upload again, both in the CAFÉ portfolio and entry application.

For troubleshooting or assistance with entry, please contact the Allegany Arts Council at 301.777.2787 or at art@alleganyarts.org.

The Allegany Arts Council reserves the right to use images for promotional purposes.

Awards
Best in Show: $1500

Color
1st Place: $800
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100

Monochrome/B&W
1st Place: $800
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100

Mixed Media: Photography as Sculpture
Award: $1200

Artists Choice:    $250

The judge reserves the right to not present an award in any category if insufficient quantity or quality is in evidence. 

Important Dates                                                

Entry deadline               2/10/20
Notifications                  3/3/20     
Delivery by                    3/27/20                      
Exhibition                      4/4/20-5/2/20 
Reception                     4/4/20               
Pick-Up / Return           5/5/20-5/9/20

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria