Photographers of All Ages Eligible to Exhibit in “FOCUS ‘18”

The Wilton Arts Council is seeking photographers of all ages, including youth and high school students, to enter its 20th annual photography exhibit, “FOCUS ’18,” to be held March 3-29 at the Wilton Library (137 Old Ridgefield Rd.). Photographers are allowed to enter up to two of their photos, which may be film or digital images in color or black and white, and may be enhanced by darkroom or digital techniques.

Last year, 105 photographers representing 27 cities and towns in Connecticut and New York exhibited their photographic works.

FOCUS ’18 entries will be judged by a panel of notable area photographers in three divisions:  Adult (professional and amateur combined), High School (9-12 grade) and Youth photographers (through 8th grade). Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded for:  Best of Show (which is open to all); first through fifth places in the adult division; and first, second and third place in each of the high school and youth divisions. Ribbons will also be presented for honorable mention in each of the divisions.

To enter photos in FOCUS ‘18, photographers may drop off their work at the Wilton Library on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 1:30-4 p.m.. Entry dimensions must be at least 8″ x 10″ – that is, the frame must meet this minimum size, although the photo it contains may be smaller–and there is no limit as to maximum size. As exhibition hooks are used to hang the photographs, the backside of each work must be wired from side to side for hanging (no loops or hooks). The fee for each photo entered in the exhibit is $5 for youths, $10 for high school students and Wilton Arts Council members, and $20 for non-members. Photographers are welcome to join the Wilton Arts Council at the time of drop-off. Membership is $35 for family membership, $25 for individual membership, and $10 for seniors and students.

A reception will be held on Friday, March 9, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Wilton Library and is open to the public. Photos will be for sale throughout the exhibit unless otherwise designated, and the Wilton Library will receive a 20% commission on the sale price of each photograph sold.

Sponsors for Focus ’18 are Alice Snyder Real Estate in Wilton; Beardsley Traveling Art Framer in Wilton; Milford Photo in Milford; Photographic Solutions LLC in Norwalk; and Rockwell Art & Framing in Wilton, Westport, Fairfield, New Canaan, Ridgefield and Stamford.

Judges for the photos are Daryl Hawk, professional photographer; Larry Untermeyer, photojournalist; and Sandy Gennrich, travel and landscape photographer and winner of FOCUS ’17 Best of Show.  Should the number of photos submitted exceed the exhibit space, one or more judges may screen the photos prior to hanging to choose those that will be exhibited.

Photographers may download a FOCUS ’18 entry form with further details from the Wilton Arts Council’s Web site; entry forms are also available at FOCUS ’18 sponsor locations, at the Wilton Library and at select other locations. For questions about FOCUS ’18, please e-mail the Arts Council or call Beth Schneider at 203.834.9986.