Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition
Frequently Asked Questions
Philosophy: The Soul of the Exhibition
What is the "Skill and Soul" approach to this exhibition?
We believe a great photograph is the perfect alignment of technical mastery and creative spirit. This exhibition isn't just about owning a camera; it’s about how an artist uses that camera to communicate. We look for work where the "how" (the craft) and the "why" (the vision) are in total harmony.
What is the difference between "Photographic Merit" and "Artistic Merit"?
Photographic Merit is the core standard for this show. It recognizes a piece that gets everything right—the technical skill, the perfect light, mood, composition, and the artistic vision. Artistic Merit represents a slight shift in perspective; it focuses on the heart and vision of the work, independent of the tools used to create it.
Can you have one type of merit without the other?
In our view, you cannot have true photographic merit without artistic merit. They are two sides of the same coin. While we have separate awards to highlight these different strengths, the most successful photographs will usually possess both.
What does it mean to take a “medium-agnostic” view of a photograph?
It means the jurors look at the story the artist is telling rather than just the equipment they used. When we judge for artistic merit, we ask: "Is this vision so powerful that it would be just as impactful if it were a painting on canvas?" We want the viewer to experience the heart of the art, not just the technology of the medium.
Why does the WAA emphasize "Human Creative Vision" specifically?
Our mission is to celebrate the human experience. Fran Achen’s legacy was built on his ability to see and teach others to see. By focusing on human vision, we ensure that every piece in the gallery is a reflection of a real person’s unique perspective and a real-world moment captured in light.
What is the “Sublime Perspective” distinction?
This award is the peak of our medium-agnostic philosophy. It honors the moment where a viewer stops worrying about how a photo was made—the lens, the settings, or the sensor—and simply starts experiencing the vision of the artist. It is art that transcends its technical origins.
Why is the AI policy so strictly tied to the exhibition’s philosophy?
Because we value the "perfect alignment of skill and soul," we believe the soul must be human. Generative AI "invents" imagery rather than capturing it. To honor the legacy of Fran Achen, we remain dedicated to the artist who stands behind a lens to witness and interpret the world.
Is this philosophy meant for professional photographers only?
No, absolutely not. This philosophy applies to every entrant, from the high school student to the seasoned professional. Whether you are entering your very first show or your fiftieth, we are inviting you to share a "story that stays with us." We value the eye of the artist at every stage of their journey.
Exhibition Basics: Understanding the Framework
Who was Fran Achen and why does this exhibition bear his name?
Fran Achen was a beloved Whitewater High School teacher and a master photographer whose work captured the essence of our community. This exhibition, now in its 17th year, commemorates his legacy. We strive to honor his spirit of mentorship and his dedication to "helping people see the world differently."
I have never entered a "Juried" exhibition. What should I expect?
A juried exhibition is a curated show. Instead of displaying every piece submitted, a professional jury panel reviews all entries to select those that best meet our standards of Photographic and Artistic Merit. Being "accepted" is a significant milestone—it means your work has been recognized for its technical skill and creative vision by experts in the field.
Where and how can I see the exhibition?
We offer an innovative dual-experience format. You can visit the physical gallery at the Cultural Arts Center (402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI) to see Traditional prints and Digital displays. Simultaneously, we host a Global Online Exhibit at whitewaterarts.org, allowing your work to be experienced by a worldwide audience.
What is the goal of the dual-salon format (Traditional and Digital)?
The goal is to provide an innovative, multi-faceted experience for both the artist and the viewer. By running the Traditional and Digital salons side-by-side, we can showcase the enduring impact of physical prints alongside the modern possibilities of screen-based fine art. This pioneering approach allows us to host a local, in-gallery experience while simultaneously maintaining a global online presence.
Can I enter if I am not a professional photographer?
Absolutely. Some of the best fine art photography is made by serious “amateur” photographers pursuing their deep passion for self-expression. Our call for art is open to local, regional, and global artists of all backgrounds. From students to hobbyists to professionals, we value any work that achieves that "perfect alignment of skill and soul." Our judging is "blind," meaning the jury sees the art, not the resume.
How much of the work in the show is for sale?
Traditional Salon: That is up to the artist. While many pieces are available for purchase, some artists mark their work "NFS" (Not for Sale). One of our basic goals is to support the arts by facilitating the sale of original works to the public while maintaining the Cultural Arts Center as a free resource for the community.
Digital Salon: None of the work in the Digital Salon is for sale through WAA for logistical reasons. However, some artists may make their contact information available and their work may be directly available for purchase through them.
Is there a cost to visit the gallery as a viewer?
No. One of the core missions of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to keep the arts accessible. The Cultural Arts Center is a free resource for the community, and we encourage everyone to come and see the diverse range of work on display.
Salons: Traditional and Digital
What is a "Salon" in the context of this exhibition?
A salon is a distinct division of the show. We host two side-by-side exhibitions: the Traditional Salon, which focuses on the physical craft of the photographic print, and the Digital Salon, which is a high-definition showcase of screen-based fine art. While they share the same gallery space, they are separate "Calls for Art" with their own submission processes.
What makes the Digital Salon unique?
The Digital Salon is an electronic showcase designed for a global age. It allows artists from all over the world to participate without the logistical hurdles of framing or shipping. These works are displayed in the gallery on high-definition screens, providing a vibrant, modern way to experience photography.
Are there specific themes for the Digital Salon?
Yes. To help organize our digital showcase, we invite entries into five specific categories: Natural World, Creative/Abstract, Human Interest, Built Environment, and Open/General. This structure ensures a diverse range of stories are told through our screen-based displays.
What are the restrictions on subject matter for the salons?
As a community-focused organization, the Whitewater Arts Alliance requires that all photographs be appropriate for viewers of all ages. This standard is strictly applied to both the Traditional and Digital Salons. To maintain an environment that is welcoming to our diverse audience—including families and students—the following restrictions are in place:
Content Standards: Artwork that is overtly sexual, racist, violent, or discriminatory in nature will not be accepted.
Ethical and Legal Standards: We do not accept works that are libelous, slanderous, or demoralizing.
The exhibition aims to showcase "human creative vision" and stories that stay with us, but these stories must exist within the bounds of mutual respect and safety for a general-public gallery setting. Any submission that falls into the categories above will be disqualified. We encourage all entrants to review their work through this lens before submitting to ensure their vision aligns with the inclusive spirit of the Fran Achen exhibition.
WAA will make all curatorial decisions and reserves the right to refrain from displaying, or to display separately, images it deems inappropriate for its websites or public gallery spaces. WAA reserves the right to remove any work of art from public exhibition at any time for any reason.
Can I enter the same image into both the Traditional and Digital Salons?
No. An individual piece of art may only be entered into one salon. We encourage you to consider which format—a physical print or a digital projection—best serves your specific vision for that image.
Why is the Traditional Salon limited to the contiguous United States?
Because the Traditional Salon requires the physical delivery or shipping of framed artwork to Whitewater, Wisconsin, it is restricted to the contiguous U.S. to ensure the safety and manageable transport of the pieces.
Does the Digital Salon have the same geographical restrictions?
No. The Digital Salon is open to artists worldwide. Because the submission and exhibition process is entirely electronic, we can welcome "outstanding photographic works from local, regional, and global artists" regardless of where they are located.
Do I need to provide a digital file if I am entering the Traditional Salon?
Yes. Even for the Traditional Salon, you must upload a digital image of your work to the ArtCall system. This file is what the jury panel will use to make their selections, and it will also be used for our global online exhibit.
Themes & Categories
What are the specific categories for the Digital Salon?
To help organize our digital showcase, we invite entries into the following five categories:
The Built Environment: This category explores the aesthetic and narrative qualities of man-made structures. From the soaring lines of modern architecture and the geometry of cityscapes to the weathered textures of historic ruins, these works examine the relationship between human design and our surroundings.
The Natural World: This category focuses on the unbuilt environment, celebrating landscapes, flora, and fauna. We seek renderings that go beyond the calendar snapshot to explore the rhythm, light, and organic complexity of the wild or cultivated world.
Human Interest: In this category, the focus is on the human condition. These images may capture a candid moment of connection, a formal portrait, or a social narrative. The emphasis here is on the resonance of the human presence and the story told through gesture, expression, or environment.
Creative / Abstract: This category is reserved for works where the artist’s vision departs from literal representation. It celebrates experimental techniques, conceptual manipulation, and the use of form, color, and texture as the primary subject. This is the home for work where the artist has intentionally transformed reality into a unique aesthetic statement.
Open/General Subject: This category recognizes images of exceptional merit that do not fit the specific constraints of the other classifications. Eclectic subjects, macro-photography, still life, multi-faceted narratives, and many others are welcome here.
What if my digital entry doesn't seem to fit any of the first four categories?
That is exactly why we have the Open/General Subject category. It is designed to welcome eclectic subjects, still lifes, and narratives that don't fall strictly into the built, natural, human, or abstract categories.
Does the Traditional Salon use these same categories?
No. The Traditional Salon is organized under a single Open/General Subject theme. While the Digital Salon uses specific categories to structure its electronic display, the Traditional Salon welcomes all photographic subjects within a single division focused on the physical craft of the print.
I’m having trouble deciding which category to choose. Do you have any guidance?
Yes. If you feel your work could fit into multiple categories, choose the one that represents the primary intent you wish the juror to evaluate.
Can you give an example of how to choose a category for a complex image?
Consider a person sitting in a modern building. This could be "The Built Environment" if the architecture is the focus, or "Human Interest" if the person's story is the priority.
Awards & Recognition
What is the premier honor of the exhibition?
The Best of Show is the highest honor of the exhibition. It is a singular distinction determined by the jury panel after evaluating the top-tier work from both the Traditional (Physical) and Digital (Electronic) Salons. This award recognizes the one image that most completely captures the "Skill and Soul" of the medium. A cash award is attached to this honor.
How is excellence recognized within each individual Salon?
Each salon features its own set of Photographic Merit Awards. These awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place) are given to artists who demonstrate an exceptional balance of technical mastery and artistic vision within their respective division. Cash awards are attached to each of these placements.
What are the "Artistic Merit" distinctions?
These honors are designed to highlight the deeper resonance of a photograph. In keeping with our medium-agnostic philosophy, we present two specific distinctions in each salon that have cash awards attached:
The Fran Achen Distinction for Expressive Mastery: Awarded to work with an exceptionally strong emotional or narrative "soul."
The Sublime Perspective Distinction for Enduring Vision: Awarded to an image with a unique, powerful perspective that transcends its technical origins.
Can one artist win multiple honors?
To ensure we celebrate a wide range of talent, entrants are eligible for only one monetary award per salon. If an artist has multiple images qualifying for cash prizes, they will be granted the award of highest distinction, while their other qualifying images will receive non-monetary recognition (such as an Honorable Mention).
Should a candidate for a Salon award be elevated to Best of Show, how are the other awards affected?
If a candidate for a Salon's first-place award is elevated to Best of Show, the rankings for that specific salon will "cascade" upward. For example, the second-place image would become first-place, and a new third-place image would be designated by the jury.
How are non-monetary achievements recognized?
The jury may award Honorable Mentions (for technical mastery) and Special Recognitions (for visionary work) to images of exceptional quality. These non-cash certificates allow the jury to acknowledge outstanding work that stood out within the larger field.
Is there an award for public participation?
Yes. The Public’s Choice Award is a non-cash certificate awarded to the top vote-getting image as chosen by visitors to the physical gallery and the online exhibit. This honor is excluded from the "one award per person" restriction and can be awarded to any artist regardless of other jury placements.
When will the honors be officially presented?
All major awards and distinctions will be announced and presented during the Awards Reception on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This ceremony is the heart of the exhibition, where the community gathers to honor the artists who have shared their "stories that stay with us." The awards will also be posted on the WAA website after the awards ceremony. The awards voted on by the public will be announced on the last day of the exhibition because voting for them is ongoing throughout the exhibit.
Awards & Artist Statements
What are the Artistic Merit Awards?
In addition to overall "Best of Show", the salon photographic merit awards, and category winners, the jury presents Artistic Merit Awards. These honors recognize work that goes beyond technical perfection to demonstrate a unique creative "voice," narrative depth, or conceptual strength. While "Skill" is evaluated in the image itself, these awards often celebrate the "Soul" behind the lens.
Why are statements so important for these awards?
Photography is a visual medium, but the story or intent behind a photo often elevates it from a snapshot to a work of art. The jury uses your statements to understand the "why" behind your work. A compelling statement can be the deciding factor when the jury is selecting Merit winners from a field of technically perfect entries.
What is the difference between the two statement fields in ArtCall?
You have two opportunities to provide context for your work:
User-Level Artist Statement (Optional):
Where: Found in your User Profile/Registration.
What: This is about you as a photographer. It describes your overall style, your background, or what drives your creative practice in general.
Entry-Level Description / Statement (Optional):
Where: Found on each individual photo submission.
What: This is about that specific image. Use this to explain the story of the moment, a unique technical process you used, or the emotional intent of that particular photograph.
Why should I fill out the Entry-Level Description?
This is your "voice in the room" during jurying.
Context: It explains things the jury can’t see, such as a technical challenge you overcame or the significance of a rare subject.
Tie-Breakers: When two images are equally strong technically, the one with a meaningful story or clear intent often wins the Merit Award.
Catalog & Web: These descriptions are included in our online gallery and the PDF catalog, making your work much more engaging to the public.
Is there anything I should avoid in my statements?
Yes—identifying information. To ensure a fair, "blind" jurying process, do not include your name or studio name in either statement field. Mentioning your identity can lead to disqualification. Keep the focus entirely on the work and the artist's journey.
What makes a "Merit-worthy" statement?
Be authentic. Don't use "artspeak." Simply tell the jury what you want them to know about the image that they might miss at first glance.
Keep it concise and focused. Aim for 2–4 sentences that answer one of the following:
What inspired you to capture this specific scene?
Is there a deeper meaning or metaphor behind the subject matter?
Was there a technical challenge you overcame to get this shot?
Example: "This long exposure was taken over 4 hours in sub-zero temperatures to capture the movement of the stars over the frozen lake, representing the stillness of winter versus the constant motion of the universe."
How is this information used after the jurying?
If your work is accepted, your statement may be included in the Online Gallery and the Official PDF Catalog. This helps the public connect with your work and provides a professional "gallery-ready" experience for viewers. A well-written statement makes your work much more engaging to prospective buyers and fans!
Examples: Sample Image Descriptions
(These are for the specific image you are submitting)
Example 1: A Landscape
The "Simple" version: A photo of a tree in the morning fog.
The "Merit-worthy" version: "I returned to this specific oak tree for five consecutive mornings waiting for the exact density of fog that would isolate the branches from the background. I wanted to capture the feeling of solitude and the quiet 'breathing' of the landscape at dawn."
Why it works: It shows the jury your dedication (the "Skill" of patience) and the emotional intent (solitude).
Example 2: A Macro or Technical Shot
The "Simple" version: Close up of a rusted gear.
The "Merit-worthy" version: "This image explores the beauty in decay. By using a macro lens and focus-stacking 12 separate frames, I was able to maintain sharpness across the entire rusted surface, highlighting textures that are usually invisible to the naked eye."
Why it works: It highlights your technical "Skill" (focus-stacking) and gives the viewer a conceptual hook (beauty in decay).
Example 3: A Candid/Street Photo
The "Simple" version: A man sitting on a park bench.
The "Merit-worthy" version: "I was struck by the contrast between the subject’s colorful umbrella and the gray, rainy urban backdrop. This candid moment captures a quiet beat of stillness in the middle of a frantic city commute."
Why it works: it tells the "Soul" of the story—that it was a deliberate observation of contrast and pace.
Examples: Sample Artist Statements
(These are about you as an artist in your general profile)
Example 1: The Nature Lover
"I am drawn to the patterns found in the natural world. My work focuses on finding symmetry and rhythm in local Wisconsin landscapes, often returning to the same locations through different seasons to document the changing light."
Example 2: The Street/Documentary Photographer
"My photography is an exercise in observation. I aim to capture the 'unseen' moments of daily life—the brief glances, the play of light on a sidewalk, and the small human stories that happen in public spaces every day."
Example 3: The Experimental Artist
"I view the camera as a tool for abstraction. Rather than capturing a literal scene, I use motion blur, intentional camera movement, and high-contrast editing to translate my emotional response to a subject into a visual form."
Quick Tips for Success
Avoid the obvious: Don’t say "This is a black and white photo of a dog." The jury can see it’s a dog and that it’s black and white. Tell them why the dog or the black-and-white choice matters.
Be brief: 2 to 4 sentences is usually the "sweet spot."
Check for Names: Remember, do not put your name in these fields! The jurying must remain anonymous.
Eligibility: Who Can Enter
Do I need to be a professional photographer to participate?
Not at all. We welcome "photographers of all levels," from students and hobbyists who have never entered a show to seasoned professionals. Because our jurying process is "blind"—meaning the jurors do not see the artist's name or resume—every image is evaluated solely on its own "Skill and Soul."
Are there geographic restrictions on who can enter?
Digital Salon: Open to artists worldwide. Since there is no physical delivery required, we invite a global community of photographers to share their work.
Traditional Salon: Open to artists in the contiguous United States. This restriction is in place because accepted works must be physically delivered or shipped to our gallery in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Can I enter work that has been in other exhibitions?
Yes, we generally welcome work that has been shown elsewhere. However, to keep this exhibition fresh and fair, any photograph that has previously won a cash award (Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or an Honorable Mention) in a past Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition is not eligible for entry.
Can I enter a photograph I took several years ago?
Yes. Unlike some exhibitions that require work to be recent, we do not have a "date-taken" restriction. We are looking for your best work, whether it was captured yesterday or a decade ago, provided it hasn't previously won an award in this specific show.
I am a student. Are there different eligibility rules for me?
We strongly encourage student participation! While the artistic standards are the same, we offer a discounted entry fee for students up to age 25 to help lower the barrier to entry for younger or emerging artists. A copy of your current student school ID must be emailed to the Exhibition Chair after you place your order, however.
Can I enter the same photo into both the Traditional and Digital Salons?
No. An individual photograph may only be entered into one salon per year. You must choose which format—physical print or digital projection—best represents that specific vision. However, we highly encourage you to enter different works into both salons!
What makes a piece "ineligible" based on its content?
To ensure the show is appropriate for viewers of all ages, we do not accept work that is overtly sexual, racist, violent, libelous, slanderous, demoralizing, or discriminatory. Additionally, all work must be "light-captured." Images created substantially through generative AI are not eligible, as they do not meet our requirement for human photographic authorship.
Must I be a member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance to enter?
No. The exhibition is open to members and non-members alike. While WAA members receive a discount on entry fees, membership status has no bearing on the jurying process or award eligibility.
Originality & AI Policy
What is the fundamental requirement for all entries?
Every entry must originate as a photograph. We define this as an image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface, such as an electronic image sensor or photographic film. The work must be the result of a human artist witnessing and capturing a moment in time.
Is Generative AI allowed in the exhibition?
No. An image created entirely or substantially by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system is not considered a photographic image because it is "created from scratch" by an algorithm rather than captured by an artist. Therefore, entries generated from text prompts or AI datasets are strictly prohibited.
Can I use AI-powered tools for editing and post-processing?
Yes, with specific limitations. You may use non-generative AI features for standard technical improvements, such as:
Digital sharpening and de-noising
Masking and enlarging
Removal, cloning, patching, or healing tools—provided these tools only use pixels from your original photograph as a source. Tools that pull from an external generative dataset to "invent" new content are not permitted.
Are "Sky Replacements" allowed?
Yes, but only if the replacement sky is your own original work. You may not use the stock sky libraries included with editing software or any sky generated by AI.
Can I include elements in my photo that I didn’t capture myself?
No. Your entry must be entirely your own original work. You may not incorporate stock agency images, artwork created by others, or any elements produced by another person.
How does the WAA enforce these AI and originality rules?
We take the integrity of the exhibition seriously. The Show Chair may request the original out-of-camera (RAW) files or original unedited JPEGs for any work prior to naming award winners. Additionally, we may use software tools designed to detect AI-generated content. Failure to provide requested original files will result in disqualification.
Does "Creative Photography" have different rules?
We highly encourage creative and experimental photography! As long as the work began as a light-captured image and all manipulations are your own original work (not AI-generated), there are no further restrictions on your camera or "digital darkroom" techniques. In fact, we created a special category for Creative and Abstract work.
Fees & Payments
Where can I find the current entry fees and image limits for each salon?
Please refer to the Official Exhibition Prospectus or the "Terms & Conditions" page on the ArtCall submission site. Fees and the number of included images differ between the Traditional and Digital Salons, so it is important to review those details before starting your entry.
Do I have to pay two separate fees if I want to enter both salons?
Yes. Because the Traditional and Digital Salons are managed as two distinct "calls" with separate jurying and logistical workflows, they require separate registrations and base entry fees.
Is there a discount for younger artists?
Yes. We are committed to fostering the next generation of photographers. Reduced rates are available for Youth (ages 18 and under) and Students (up to age 25). Specific instructions on how to apply these discounts are available within the ArtCall submission portal. Essentially, you need to verify your status as a student by emailing a copy of your current school ID to the Exhibition Chair immediately after you submit your work.
How do I submit my payment?
The standard method is by credit or debit card directly through the ArtCall system at the time of submission. This ensures your entries are immediately processed and made visible to the jury panel.
Can I pay by check instead of a credit card?
Yes. If you prefer to pay offline, you may select the "PayOffline" option during the ArtCall checkout. Be sure you really need to do it this way, however. You must then mail a check (payable to Whitewater Arts Alliance) to PO Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190. Please note that your entries will not be considered "complete" or visible to the jury until your payment has been received and processed by our treasurer.
Are my entry fees refundable if my work is not accepted for the show?
No. Entry fees are non-refundable. These funds are used to cover the administrative costs of the exhibition, the professional jurying process, and the award fund, regardless of the jury's final selection.
Is there a fee to attend the Awards Reception or view the gallery?
No. Admission to the physical gallery at the Cultural Arts Center, the online exhibition, and the Awards Reception is free and open to the public. We encourage all entrants, their families, and the community to join us for the celebration.
Submission & Technical Specs
Where do I submit my work?
All submissions are handled electronically through ArtCall.org. You can find the links to the Traditional Salon and Digital Salon calls on the Whitewater Arts Alliance website. You will need to create a user profile (or log in to an existing one) to begin the process.
What are the digital file requirements for my images?
To ensure high-quality viewing for the jury and our digital displays, all uploaded files must meet the following criteria:
Format: JPEG only.
Size: At least 1920 pixels on the longest side.
File Weight: Maximum file size of 5MB.
Clean Image: The digital file must be the image itself—no matting, framing, watermarks, or signatures should be visible in the upload.
What are the size and format requirements?
To ensure your work looks its best for the jury and in our exhibition materials:
Format: JPEG only.
Minimum Size: At least 1920 pixels on the longest side.
File Weight: Keep files under 5MB (or the limit specified on the ArtCall dashboard).
Aim High: We use these files for a high-quality PDF catalog and large-screen displays. If in doubt, aim for a higher resolution rather than a lower one. The system will stop you if a file is too small.
Color Space: sRGB is highly recommended to ensure the colors the jury sees match your vision.
Should I aim for a specific pixel dimension?
While the system requires a minimum of 1920 pixels on the longest side, you do not need to "shrink" your work to fit that exact number. ArtCall is a modern platform that automatically generates multiple versions of your image for different uses (one size for the jury, other sizes for the web, etc.). If your original file is larger, please upload it at that higher resolution.
Why is higher resolution better for this exhibition?
We use these files for more than just a quick glance on a screen. High-resolution files are essential for:
The PDF Catalog: We produce a high-quality digital catalog of the exhibition. Low-resolution files will appear blurry or "pixelated" in a document designed for zooming and archiving.
Large-Scale Digital Display: In the Digital Salon, your work is shown on high-definition monitors. The more data you provide, the better your "Skill and Soul" will look to the gallery visitors.
Is there a maximum file size that will stop my upload?
Yes. While we encourage high resolution, ArtCall generally has a file weight limit (typically 5MB to 10MB depending on the specific salon call). If your file is extremely large—such as a 50MB TIFF or a massive RAW file—the system will stop the upload. If that happens, simply save a high-quality JPEG at a slightly lower "quality" setting (80–90%) until it falls under the limit.
What is the "hard limit" I should watch out for?
The system will definitely stop you if your file is too small. If your image is below the minimum pixel requirement, you will receive an error message and be unable to complete your entry. When in doubt, always aim higher rather than lower on file size to ensure your work is represented with the clarity it deserves.
Why can't I have my signature or a watermark on the digital upload?
The jurying process is "blind," meaning the jurors should not know the identity of the artist while making their selections. Including a signature or watermark can lead to disqualification. (Note: For the Traditional Salon, your physical print may be signed).
Can I change my submission after I’ve uploaded it?
Yes. ArtCall allows you to edit your entry, change your category, or swap your image file at any time until the submission deadline. Once the deadline passes, no further changes can be made.
Do I need to upload a digital file even if I am entering the Traditional Salon?
Yes. The jury panel uses these digital uploads to make their initial acceptance decisions for both salons. For accepted Traditional Salon pieces, these files are also used to represent your work in our global online web gallery.
What happens if my file doesn't meet the specs?
Submissions with incorrectly formatted images may be rejected by the system or the Show Chair. If you have trouble resizing your images to the 1920-pixel standard, please reach out to our exhibit chairs at the contact email listed in the prospectus.
How should I name my files before uploading?
You do not need to worry about a specific file-naming convention. Because ArtCall automatically renames every file upon upload to match your submission ID and entry details, your original filename (e.g., IMG_1234.jpg or Sunset.jpg) is discarded. You can upload your files exactly as they are named on your computer.
Physical Requirements (Traditional Salon)
What are the requirements for hanging my work?
All work must be ready to hang upon delivery.
Wire Hangers Required: Your frame must have a sturdy hanging wire attached to the back.
Prohibited: We cannot accept work with saw-tooth hangers, clips, or string.
Stability: The presentation must be rigid and professional. While we encourage creativity in display, the work must be sturdy enough for gallery handling.
Why are wire hangers strictly required?
We use ProPanels equipped with a two-part hanging system: a vertical metal L-hook strap that anchors over the top of the panel, and a moveable S-hook that sits in one of the various holes along that strap.
Compatibility: The S-hook is essentially a "shelf" for your wire. A wire hanger allows the weight of the frame to pull down on the S-hook, locking it into the strap.
Why Sawtooths Fail: A sawtooth hanger cannot "reach" around the curve of an S-hook. It is physically impossible to mount a sawtooth hanger to this professional gallery system securely.
Leveling: Because the holes in the L-hook strap are at fixed intervals, we cannot move the hook up or down by a fraction of an inch. A wire gives the gallery team the necessary "play" to ensure your work is perfectly level and at the correct height.
Why is there a 36-inch maximum width limit?
This is a physical constraint of the ProPanel dimensions.
Stay in Your Lane: Each panel is a fixed width. A piece wider than 36 inches (including the frame) would overlap the edges of the panel, interfering with the structural seams or crowding the adjacent artist's space.
Exhibition Flow: This limit ensures that the gallery has a clean, rhythmic appearance, giving every artist’s work its own dedicated "breathing room."
Why is 8” x 10” (80 square inches) the minimum image size?
This requirement is primarily about the integrity of the jurying process. For a high-level juried exhibition, the juror needs a sufficient "sample size" to accurately evaluate a photographer's technical proficiency.
Measuring Skill: At sizes smaller than 8x10, it is difficult to truly assess critical photographic elements like fine-point sharpness, depth of field control, and digital noise or film grain. A smaller print can often mask technical flaws that become apparent at a gallery scale.
The "Skill and Soul" Standard: Since the Fran Achen exhibition celebrates both the artist's vision and their technical craft, the 8x10 minimum ensures that the work is large enough for the juror to confirm that the focus is intentional and the execution is professional.
Viewer Experience: From a gallery perspective, this size is the "sweet spot" that allows a visitor to appreciate the detail and texture of a photograph without having to stand inches away from the panel.
What materials are acceptable for the Traditional Salon?
We welcome a variety of physical media, including:
Traditional paper prints (framed under glass or acrylic)
Metal prints
Gallery-wrapped canvas prints
Other rigid, finished media (wood, acrylic, etc.)
Can I use "Gallery Wrapped" canvas?
Yes, provided the bars are sturdy enough to support D-rings and a wire. The edges must be finished (painted or a continuation of the image) for a professional "frame-free" presentation.
Does my physical print need to be anonymous?
No. While the digital upload for jurying must be free of signatures or watermarks, your physical print may be signed as you see fit. In fact, we encourage all artists to sign their work when it is on display.
Do I need to label my work?
Yes. Every accepted piece must have an identifying tag attached to the back. You can download and print these tags from the ArtCall system. Each submission has a printer icon where you can generate these tags with all the information pre-filled. If not using the ArtCall tags, you need to include your name, the title of the work, and the price (or "NFS" for Not For Sale).
Can I ship my work to the gallery?
Yes, BUT only if you make prior arrangements with the Exhibit Chair.
Address: Do not ship directly to the Cultural Arts Center address, as staff will not be present to receive it. A specific shipping address will be provided upon request, Exhibit Chair will provide it.
Costs: The artist is responsible for all shipping costs in both directions and must include a prepaid return shipping label inside the box.
When must I deliver and pick up my work?
Please refer to the Key Dates section of the prospectus for the specific drop-off and pick-up windows. Work not picked up by the final deadline will be considered abandoned.
Can I remove my work from the gallery early if it sells?
No. To maintain the integrity of the exhibition for all visitors, all accepted photographs must remain on display for the entire duration of the show.
What is the "One-Third Rule" (or Slack Standard)?
Most professional framers follow the One-Third Rule to ensure a frame hangs flat and secure.
D-Ring Placement: Attach your D-rings about one-third of the way down from the top of the frame.
The Slack Standard: When you attach the wire, leave enough "slack" so that when you pull the wire toward the top of the frame, the peak stops 2 to 3 inches below the top edge.
The "Why": If the wire is too loose, the S-hook and the metal strap will be visible above the top of your frame. If it’s too tight (the "snug" mistake), it creates massive inward tension that can actually snap the corners of a wood frame or bow the rails of a metal one.
Sales & Commissions
Do I have to list my work for sale?
No. You are welcome to enter work that is not for sale. If you do not wish to sell a piece, please mark it as NFS (Not For Sale) in the ArtCall system by leaving the price field empty and mark NFS on your physical identification tag.
What is the commission rate?
If your work sells during the show, the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) retains a commission to help fund gallery operations and future exhibitions. The rates are based on your membership status:
WAA Members: 30% commission
Non-Members: 40% commission
How should I price my work?
When setting your price in ArtCall, please remember to factor in the commission rate. You should also consider the cost of your materials (printing, mounting, and framing). For example, if you are a WAA member and wish to receive $70 for a piece, you should price it at $100 to account for the 30% commission.
Does the WAA handle sales tax?
Yes. The Whitewater Arts Alliance collects and submits all applicable Wisconsin sales taxes on your behalf. You do not need to include sales tax in your listed price.
Can a buyer take the artwork home immediately after purchasing?
No. To maintain the integrity and visual quality of the exhibition for all visitors, all photographs must remain on display for the entire duration of the show. Buyers can pick up their purchased artwork at the Cultural Arts Center after the exhibition closes on the designated pick-up date.
How and when do I get paid for a sale?
After the exhibition concludes and all sales have been finalized, the WAA treasurer will issue a check to the artist for the sale price minus the commission. These checks are typically mailed within 30 days of the show's closing.
Can I list a price for entries in the Digital Salon?
No. We do not allow artists to enter prices for the Digital Salon within the ArtCall system. This salon is intended for electronic display and does not facilitate direct gallery sales.
If I can't list a price, how can I sell my Digital Salon work?
We highly encourage Digital Salon artists to make their contact information (such as a website or email) available in their ArtCall profile and artist statement. If a prospective customer is interested in your work, they can contact you directly to arrange a private sale and delivery of a print. Because these sales happen outside the WAA gallery, they are handled entirely between the artist and the buyer.