2026 Beloit Art Center Photography Exhibition
March 6 - 26, 2026
Award Winners
1st Place
Marching Great Blue Heron
Gary Aleksiak
Marching Great Blue Heron
Gary Aleksiak
2nd Place
The Magnificent Mile Fully Exposed
Paul Lindquist
The Magnificent Mile Fully Exposed
Paul Lindquist
3rd Place
Lenten Rose
Kirsten Barry
Lenten Rose
Kirsten Barry
2026 Digital Exhibition of Accepted Artwork
Top 10
Top 10
Top 10
Top 10
3rd Place
2nd Place
1st Place
Top 10
Top 10
High School Submissions
In 2026 BAC added a high school division to the photo exhibit. We look forward to continuing this into the future.
Meet the 2026 Jurors
CINDY VONDRAN
I was a life long resident of Northern Illinois until 2021 when I relocated to Southern Wisconsin where I live with my husband of 45 years. We have two daughters and four grandchildren. I received my BFA from Rockford University in Studio Art in 2013 with an emphasis in photography. I took up photography as a hobby in 1978 when I bought a 35mm film camera. In 2006 I bought my first digital camera and have never looked back. I love the flexibility that digital affords me. I will never stop learning new techniques and honing my skills for creating digital works of art.
STEVE TOOLE
Steve has enjoyed photography and art since he was young. He was fortunate to have traveled with his family throughout the United States as he was growing up. Taking pictures during those trips was an exciting and rewarding experience for Steve. Being retired from teaching, he now has more time to rekindle his artistic pursuits. Much of his work depicts life outdoors, because that is where he spends a significant amount of his time. Steve finds an artistic fulfillment in capturing the spirit of rural America through his photos.
Steve and his wife Kim live in Ashton, Illinois where they foster rescued dogs, volunteer, and enjoy small town life.
STEVE TOOLE
Steve has enjoyed photography and art since he was young. He was fortunate to have traveled with his family throughout the United States as he was growing up. Taking pictures during those trips was an exciting and rewarding experience for Steve. Being retired from teaching, he now has more time to rekindle his artistic pursuits. Much of his work depicts life outdoors, because that is where he spends a significant amount of his time. Steve finds an artistic fulfillment in capturing the spirit of rural America through his photos.
Steve and his wife Kim live in Ashton, Illinois where they foster rescued dogs, volunteer, and enjoy small town life.
BILL MIDGET
I am thankful for the invitation to curate this year's Fifteenth Annual Photography Exhibit. This local exhibit has offered me the chance to experience it as an exhibitor and as a judge. It has also sustained my growth as a photographer. I have been fortunate to benefit from the experiences of many seasoned photographers who have mentored me sharing both their craft and friendship. Presently, I am a retired school administrator and have been blessed with the esteemed title of Pa Pa to fifteen grandchildren who provide me with the energy, enthusiasm and perspective for all the little “ordinary but truly extraordinary” things all about us, I classify myself as an opportunistic photographer who enjoys photographing whatever grabs my attention. Most of the photos I take locally within a fifty mile radius of my home. I believe that where a photo takes you is more important than where it was taken. My current interest is in
learning how viewers look at photographs both (physically and psychologically) and how my
photography can become a more concise way to communicate with them.
ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2026 EXHIBITION.
Mark your calendar for January 2027 to enter next year's exhibit
To Enter:
1. Fill out the Photo Exhibit registration form and submit your images by selecting the link below.
1. Fill out the Photo Exhibit registration form and submit your images by selecting the link below.
2. Pay the entry fee by selecting from the options below:
If you aren't already, we invite you to become a member of the Beloit Art Center for
year-round news about classes and events happening at the Center!
Contest Rules and Guidelines
Important Dates:
Show Rules:
- Entry forms, images and fee due: January 25 (by 2 p.m.)
- Notice of acceptance: February 2 (by email)
- Artwork delivery dates:
- February 27 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- February 28 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Exhibition dates: March 6–26
- First Friday Opening Reception: March 6 (5 p.m.–7 p.m.)
- Artwork pick-up dates:
- March 27 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- March 28 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Submit the Entry Form by clicking the link at the top of the page.
- Participants may enter up to 4 images.
- Entry fee: $35 for BAC members, $40 for non-members.
- Each image must include a title, dimensions, and price or NFS if not for sale.
- All images must be free of signatures and watermarks.
- All entry forms, fees, and images are due by 2 p.m. on January 25.
- Late entries will not be accepted.
Show Rules:
- Content Requirements: Photographs must be appropriate for all ages. Artwork that is overtly sexual, violent, racist, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive is prohibited. BAC reserves the right to make all curatorial decisions.
- Originality: Images must be original images taken by the entrant. AI-generated images or those created in whole or part by image-creation software are prohibited and will result in disqualification.
- Media: Entries must be photographic media. Post-processing is allowed at the photographer's discretion.
- Image Size: Preferred digital submission size: long edge 1500 pixels.
- Print Dimensions: Minimum printed size: 11" x 14" (154 sq. inches, unframed).
- Framing: If accepted into the exhibit, images must be suitably framed and ready for hanging with wire. No post mount hanging systems. BAC reserves the right to refuse any entry deemed unsuitable for hanging.
- Previous Exhibitions: Submitted photos must not have been previously shown in any Beloit Art Center exhibit or in past photo exhibitions.
- Judging Criteria:
- Artistic merit (not the type or amount of post-processing used)
- Composition
- Creativity and subject matter
- Technical skill
- Juror Decisions: There will be three jurors, and all juror decisions are final.
- Awards: 1st place -$150; 2nd place - $100; 3rd place - $50 and 7 honorable mention certificates.
- Exhibition Rules: Accepted work may not be withdrawn before the exhibition closes.
- Social Media: Please do not post accepted entries on social media until after the gallery reception and awards.
- Sales: BAC will retain a 30% commission on items sold during the exhibition.
- Artwork Pickup: Photos not picked up within 30 days of the show closing will become the property of the Beloit Art Center.
- Entry Limit: Each participant may submit one entry form. (4 image limit).
Please email submissions@beloitartcenter.com with any questions. Thank you.
2025 Photography Exhibition poster
2025 Photography Exhibition poster
