Amateur and professional artists are invited to exhibit their photography at the Sixth Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition to be displayed from July 9 to July 26 at the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Cultural Arts Center on 402 W. Main Street in Whitewater.
Entries are due June 18 though entries received later will be accepted if space allows. An awards ceremony is slated Sunday, July 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the CAC.
“The Fran Achen Photography Contest has become a favorite exhibit of our photographers and visitors alike. My hope is that we continue to expand the participation to honor a truly wonderful community member,” Linda Long, president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance said. “Fran would be delighted to have beginning and professional photographers take a critical eye to the world around them. So get out those cameras now.”
Achen was a long-time Whitewater resident, teacher, and local photographer. However, he is best remembered for his photographic collection chronicling the history of Whitewater.
Individuals who wish to submit photos should complete an entry form and send it to the Whitewater Arts Alliance, P.O. Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190. Guidelines (including sizes, formats and entry fees) and entry forms are available at local banks, the public library, the CAC and at www.whitewaterarts.org.
Entries fees are as follows for up to three photos: Youth (ages 5 to 12), $5; Teen (ages 13 – 18), $10 with sponsorships available for youth and teen photographers; amateur (19 and up) $25, and; accomplished, $25.
Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show Award ($125); in the adult division prizes are $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third; in the youth and teen divisions prizes awarded are $25 for first place; $15 for second; $10 for third. Awards will be presented at the July 12 opening reception at about 2 p.m.
“The Fran Achen show is truly one of the highlights of the year and the Cultural Arts Center is one of Whitewater’s gems. Together they provide a showcase for outstanding work created by both established and aspiring area photographers,” Jeff McDonald, chair of the show and WAA board member said.
“It is exciting to see the many ways these artists interpret the world through their images… I eagerly await this year’s event,” he said.
For those who wish to sell their photos, both the photographers and the Whitewater Arts Alliance will benefit from their creative talents with the alliance receiving 20 percent of the sale from member photographers; 30 percent from non-members.
Photographers should drop entries off between 4 and 7 p.m., July 2 at the CAC and pick them up after the exhibit closes from 3 and 5 p.m., July 26. Photos left past the deadline will be considered a donation to the WAA.
For more information contact McDonald at (262) 473-5086 or jeff.mcdonald@ gaelicarts.com.
