2026 Photo + Digital Art Exhibit
2026 PHOTO + DIGITAL ART EXHIBIT - From Sea 2 Shining Sea
Online Entry: August 18, 2026
Receiving: Friday, August 21, 12 - 3:30 PM l Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 12 l 12:00 - 1:30 PM
On Exhibit: September 12 - October 1, 2026
Entry Fees:
Judge: Sarah Grote
Online Entry: August 18, 2026
Receiving: Friday, August 21, 12 - 3:30 PM l Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 12 l 12:00 - 1:30 PM
On Exhibit: September 12 - October 1, 2026
Entry Fees:
- Members $25.00 for first entry, $5 for second entry
- Non-Members $30.00 for first entry, $5 for second entry
Judge: Sarah Grote
“To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye, and the heart. It's a way of life.”
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
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Continuing Gallery 53’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 17th Annual Photography Exhibit: From Sea 2 Shining Sea invites photographers to capture images that reflect the spirit and diversity of our nation.
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This annual exhibit will feature traditional black-and-white and color photography, as well as digital compositions. Photographers are encouraged to interpret the “Sea 2 Shining Sea” theme broadly, submitting images that celebrate America’s people, communities, and landscapes—from coastlines and countryside to vibrant cities and everyday moments and vignettes that define our national character. From Sea 2 Shining Sea will be on exhibit through September, 2026. It will also be here on our website as a virtual exhibit. Detailed entry information is below.
ENTRY INFORMATION
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1. Submit your images and information online by August 18, 2026 *
2. You will then be directed to our payment webpage 3. Complete your entry by delivering art to Gallery 53 at the dates/times listed above for receiving |
NOTE: Please review the detailed information below before entering.
Pieces more than 42" accepted at the discretion of selection committee.
If you have any questions, contact the gallery.
Pieces more than 42" accepted at the discretion of selection committee.
If you have any questions, contact the gallery.
ENTRY INFORMATION/TERMS & CONDITIONS
FEES:
ELIGIBILITY:
PRESENTATION
SALES COMMISSION
PICKUP: Friday October 2, 12 - 3:30 pm Sat., October 3, 10 - 1:45 pm
LOSS/DAMAGE
Gallery 53/ACAM assumes no responsibility for loss or damage sustained to any piece at any time. Every reasonable effort will be taken to prevent damage or loss.
Work submitted must be appropriate to be viewed by visitors of all ages, including children. The Gallery 53 Board of Directors reserves the right to reject any work that is not appropriate for our audience.
Your signature on the entry label form signifies your agreement with the terms above.
- Members $25.00 for first entry, $5 for second entry
- Non-Member $30.00 for first entry, $5 for second entry
ELIGIBILITY:
- Limit 2 entries
- Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media); drawings, photography, digital compositions and sculpture
- All entries must be original - your design & composition (from your own sketches and photos) as well as your own execution.
PRESENTATION
- All entries must be ready to hang: framed and wired and ready for hanging. No SAWTOOTH.
- Work more than 42" wide accepted at discretion of selection committee
- Entry Labels will be available at the gallery when you deliver your work. A label must be completed, signed and accompany each piece. Each label has 2 parts, (top and bottom) containing the same information.
- Affix the label to the lower left-hand corner of the work on the back of the frame. One half of the label will extend below the frame
SALES COMMISSION
- A 30% commission will be taken on sold items
- NO price on request.
- Not for sale (NFS) is OK
PICKUP: Friday October 2, 12 - 3:30 pm Sat., October 3, 10 - 1:45 pm
LOSS/DAMAGE
Gallery 53/ACAM assumes no responsibility for loss or damage sustained to any piece at any time. Every reasonable effort will be taken to prevent damage or loss.
Work submitted must be appropriate to be viewed by visitors of all ages, including children. The Gallery 53 Board of Directors reserves the right to reject any work that is not appropriate for our audience.
Your signature on the entry label form signifies your agreement with the terms above.
PRIZES
- Best in Show - $150
- 1st Place, in Memory of Ellie Bender - $125
- 2nd Place, in Memory of Mike Rhode - $100
- 3rd Place - $75
DIGITAL ENTRY GUIDELINES
When you enter the exhibit online, you will be asked for the following information:
- Required Information:
- Name
- Email
- Title
- Medium
- Selling price
- 1 Digital Photo per entry
- Optional Information
- Dimensions
- Description
- G53 prefers JPEG images, 72 dpi
- NOTE: The name, title(s) and selling price(s) you enter on the form will appear in our exhibit program. Please be sure your information is correct before you submit. We may not be able to accomodate requests to change titles, prices, etc.
- Gallery 53 reserves the right to decline to use images that are not acceptable quality
- Questions on online entries? Contact [email protected]
JUDGE: SARAH GROTE
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Sarah Grote is an award-winning photographer, painter, and author in Connecticut. She currently serves as Gallery Director at the Essex Art Association and President of Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. Sarah is also the Administrator of the Essex Board of Trade (EssexCT.com), supporting local businesses and promoting community events. Her latest work was selected for the Florence Griswold Museum's "Patchwork Exhibition, the Mattatuck Museum's MIXMASTER 2026 Juried Members Exhibition, the NHS-Gallery 66 Mural, the CAFA+ Members Show at the Westerly Library Hoxie Gallery, The Monastery Gallery's "Pilgrims of Hope" exhibition, and Intercommunity Gallery's "Breaking Free" show. Besides having work accepted in galleries, juried shows and museums throughout New England, Sarah is a published author. Her book “Journey of the Dream Team,” received the WINNIE award for "Literary - Rescue Books" at the EQUUS Film Festival in 2023.
For more information on Sarah Grote, visit her website. |
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You can still enter in person at the gallery on May 29th or May 30th, but your work may not be included on our website or social media.
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