Photography Triennial 2025: The Photograph as an Art Object

JUROR: John Vellenga

EXHIBITION DATES: June 20 – July 19, 2025

Description: The Photograph as an Art Object explores photography as an expressive, artistic medium, broadly considered, within the realm of visual art. Throughout its comparatively brief but deeply impactful history, photography as a discipline has taken on private, public, personal, documentarian, historical, and artistic dimensions; has adapted and flourished on a variety of technological fronts; and has, in many ways, become an accessible medium that shapes identity and captures everyday experience. This exhibition prompts artists and viewers to contemplate what it means to approach photography as an expressive, artistic medium much like painting, sculpture, printmaking, or fiber arts – and yet, to consider and embrace its unique and broad capacities as a an artform and technology. Open to artists in the Midwest - IL, IN, IA, MI, OH, KY, WI, MO, MN. 

Description: The Photograph as an Art Object explores photography as an expressive, artistic medium, broadly considered, within the realm of visual art. Throughout its comparatively brief but deeply impactful history, photography as a discipline has taken on private, public, personal, documentarian, historical, and artistic dimensions; has adapted and flourished on a variety of technological fronts; and has, in many ways, become an accessible medium that shapes identity and captures everyday experience. This exhibition prompts artists and viewers to contemplate what it means to approach photography as an expressive, artistic medium much like painting, sculpture, printmaking, or fiber arts – and yet, to consider and embrace its unique and broad capacities as a an artform and technology. Open to artists in the Midwest - IL, IN, IA, MI, OH, KY, WI, MO, MN. 

JUROR: John Vellenga

JUROR BIO

John Vellenga has been an active artist for over 50 years, with a practice that spans painting, sculpture, and, most notably, photography. Vellenga has participated in photography workshops throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and has exhibited competitively throughout the Midwestern United States, winning a variety of awards, including Best in Show at GALEX 34. His work is part of several permanent collections, including the permanent collection at Western Illinois University. Originally from Monmouth, Illinois, Vellenga has served as the president of the board of the Buchanan Center for the Arts, sat on the board of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, and has actively juried exhibits throughout the Monmouth, Galesburg, and Macomb regions. Vellenga is best known for his black-and-white photographic portraits & landscapes, which he often paints over with translucent films of oil paint to reference traditions preceding the invention of color photography.

JUROR’S STATEMENT

There’s an old saying among photographers that “the best camera in the world is the one that you have with you.” On June 11th, 1997, Philippe Kahn, a pioneer in wearable technology, created the first camera phone. Thus began the technological advances that allow us to always have an excellent camera with us. This, along with the revolution in the digital process, has created additional opportunities for spontaneous and exciting photography.

In judging a photography show, I first examine the overall quality of the work and the artist’s ability to master their medium. I look for a personal vision that says something to me and, hopefully, to others that see the work. Other factors to be considered when selecting photographs for the show include being aware of the balance and repetition among the entries and organizing of the photographs for the show. For example, when looking at the entries, if you see a dozen great photographs of cornfields, you must choose only a couple of the outstanding examples for the sake of variation and space within the show. Judging is always subjective. I have entered the same photograph in two invitational shows – in one exhibit, it was rejected, and in the other, it won an award.

As you know, there are many different themes in photography, and I like to include as many as possible to create a more interesting and exciting show. Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have indeed entered a new era in photography, which I hope will be reflected in this exhibition.

—John Vellenga

DEADLINE TO ENTER: May 20, 2025

EXHIBITION DATES: June 20 – July 19, 2025

Opening Reception on Friday, June 20, 2025 | 5-7pm

Artwork delivery:

• May 29, 30, 11am – 4pm
• May 31, 10am – 3pm
• June 3, 11am - 4pm

Artwork Pickup:

·         July 22 – 25, 2025

·         Artwork shipped to us must include a prepaid return shipping label.

The Arts Center will not be held responsible for artwork left more than 45 days from the last day of pick-up. If alternative arrangements are not made for pick up, and artwork is left past 45 days, artwork becomes the property of the Arts Center, without further notification.

Acceptance Notifications: May 27, 2025 by end of day

Artwork Guidelines

• Original photography produced within the last 3 years
• Must represent photographic or lens-based work, broadly interpreted
  • No A.I.-generated photographic images
• Artists may submit up to 5 photographs for consideration, but not all are guaranteed to be accepted or exhibited
• Must be ready to hang (with wire or another secure hanging mechanism – please coordinate with us if your work requires an unusual method of display)
• Artwork weight no more than 50 pounds
• Artwork must not exceed 36” as its largest dimension, including frame
• Artwork must not have been included in previous exhibitions at the Arts Center, nor displayed in the gift shop.
• The Arts Center reserves the right to refuse artwork that does not meet the requirements above, or is found unsuitable for exhibiting (*this includes not having a wire or other hanging apparatus)
• Artists should be specific in their description of the "medium" for each work, as this is a photography show, so listing the medium as "photography" in itself is insufficient. Please list any specific materials or processes used (e.g. film vs. digital photography, cyanotype, substrate, printing or darkroom processes, etc.) that are relevant to each work submitted.

If artwork is to be made available for sale, please price work with the following in mind:

• GCAC Artist-Members: 70% to artist, 30% to GCAC
• All other Artists: 60% to artist, 40% to GCAC

ENTRY FEE AND PROCESS

The non-refundable entry fee is $30 per artist for up to five works of photography (5 images), or $25 for current ARTIST-MEMBERS of the Galesburg Community Arts Center. Renew your membership or become a new member now!

All entries are to be submitted digitally through www.callforentry.org (CaFÉ). Please retain a copy of the information you provide on the entry form. If you have not registered with CaFÉ, setting up your portfolio is free. After completing the entry information, a credit card number or check number will be required to confirm the entry process. CaFÉ requires all images to conform to a specific format, please review the instructions and tutorials for formatting images and entering before beginning the actual entry process. Accepted works that do not reasonably meet the quality indicated in the image can be refused. The Arts Center reserves the right to reject any work that is not structurally sound or ready to hang. For technical assistance with your entry, please see https://www.callforentry.org/cafehelp.phtml or contact cafe@westaf.org.

ACCEPTED DELIVERY/RETURN OF ARTWORK

Artists are responsible for the cost of ALL shipping. The Art Center prefers the use of a prepaid shipping label (UPS or FedEx) sent with the piece for return shipping. All shipped works will be returned in original containers with original packing. If selected, instructions for shipping and picking up or returning artwork will be sent to the artist during the notification process.

Accepted works may be hand-delivered or shipped to the Galesburg Community Arts Center.  Attach identification tag (emailed with notifications) to the back of your work listing artist name and address, title of piece, medium, and price. In the case that your work sells, but you would still like your shipping box returned to you, please include a note clearly indicating your preference with your original shipment. 

If selected, instructions for shipping and picking up or returning artwork will be sent to the artist during the notification process.

GCAC hours are Tues-Fri, 11am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm
Telephone: 309.342.7415, email: exhibition@galesburgarts.org

ELIGIBILITY

Open to photographers living and/or working in the Midwest - IL, IN, IA, MI, OH, KY, WI, MO, MN. This is a regional call. Must be over 18 years of age.