The Mattoon Arts Council is now accepting entries to its second Photography Show, sponsored by Consolidated Communications.
Professional, amateur and student photographers are invited to submit their work. Student entries are open to grades six through 12. The theme of the show is “Light and Shadow.”
Mattoon Arts Special Events Coordinator Susan Cole thanks last year’s participants for their input and said that some changes will be implemented this year.
“There will be a blind judging this year; the photos will be labeled so that our judge will have no idea of the photographer’s identity while critiquing the entries. Also, matting of the photos is no longer a requirement, but is strongly suggested, as it makes for a more professional-looking piece. Wiring is still required, however, due to our hanging system.”
Those entering the Photography Show will compete for prizes in three categories:
Category 1: Any subject, utilizing color photography
Category 2: Any subject, utilizing black and white photography
Category 3: Any photograph following a theme of “Light and Shadow,” color or black and white.
All photos must be original images, taken by the submitting photographer. Each photographer may enter two photos per category, and the photos may have been taken any time.
Awards for categories will be $100 to both professional and amateur first-place winners, and student winners will be awarded a prize of $50. The Best of Show award is $150 and will be awarded to the best overall entry for the combined professional and amateur categories. There is also a Best of Show award of $100 for the student category. Honorable mention winners will receive a ribbon.
The entry form and fees are due by July 28. Entry forms and fees may be turned into the Mattoon Arts Council (MAC) office in person at the train depot, 1718 Broadway Ave. (use the east door, turn right just past the elevator); or mailed to Mattoon Arts Council, Attn: Susan Cole, 208 N. 19th St., Mattoon, IL 61938. Please make checks payable to “Mattoon Arts Council.”
All entries will be displayed in the Historic Train Depot’s Lone Elm Room from Aug. 24-27. A reception for all exhibiting photographers and the general public will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 in the Lone Elm Room. Presentation of awards and individual critiques for photographers who request one will take place during the reception.
Entry forms and official rules can be found the arts council website, www.mattoonartscouncil.org.
