Celebrating its 44^th year, PhotoSpiva 2020 delivers an exhibit of photographic excellence from artists across the country. The call for entry at photospiva.org closes at midnight on January 1^st. Images will be chosen by juror April M. Watson, Ph.D. The week of the exhibit opening, Watson will blind judge the work, having no knowledge of the entrants or their status as emerging or professionals, and no categories to distinguish photographic processes.

The competition is open to all US photographers, and any type of photographic process – from traditional to digital to photo-based mixed media – is eligible, as long as it results in a two-dimensional print that has never been shown at Spiva.

On March 21 at 7pm, Spiva’s Executive Director will present the cash awards sponsored by the Freeman R. Johnson Trust. The Juror’s Lecture will immediately follow. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the event.

Watson will also conduct one-on-one portfolio reviews from 10am to noon and 1 to 3:30pm on that same Saturday March 21. Cost is $15 for Spiva members and $25 for non-members. Contact Spiva for more information or to schedule a review.

Good things do come in small packages! At Spiva Center for the Arts, those small packages will measure 12”x12”, 9”x12” or 6”x6” during the 22^nd annual Small Works Auction.

In this exhibit and auction, more than 100 Spiva member artists create works from jewelry to collage, which they donate for auctioning. The exhibit is a great way not only to raise money to fund Spiva operations, but also to offer exposure for the participating artists.

This not-to-miss event includes a closing party with wine, food, music, and fast and furious bidding set for 5:30-7 p.m.(?) Friday, May 8.

Especially anticipated every year are the Rainmaker entries. Rainmakers are artists whose works have sold for $300 or more during previous Small Works auctions. With an opening bid of $300, these works hold a place of honor in the exhibit.

All other works start their bidding at $35. For all entries, there is a “Buy It Now” option for those who don’t want to risk losing a piece in a last-minute bidding war. Artists set their own “Buy It Now” prices, but the minimum is $125. Rainmakers’ minimum “Buy It Now” price is $500. 

Works may be viewed and bids may be placed online at http://spivaarts.org/small-works-auction/ from the opening of the exhibit and until 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. Online bidders will have to send a proxy the night of live bidding to ensure they bid up to the last minute.

With the exposure for artists comes the potential bragging rights for recognition for creating the best entries: Juror’s Choice; Best 3-D; Best Mixed Media; Best Photography; Best Still Life or Floral; and Best Landscape or Plein Air. Exhibition visitors will determine the People’s Choice award. The juror will be announced on opening night.

Opening reception: Saturday, March 7,  12pm

Hey Kids! It’s that time of year again to show off your photography skills! Lola Nelson of Design Pro Photography will once again be teaching students important photography terms, tricks, and tips relating to composition, lighting, and more. Students will start at Spiva for an instructional overview, then head out on a downtown photo walk. This is a popular class that our regulars look forward to every year. Cameras are provided by Spiva or tweens may use their own. 

The PhotoSpiva Kids class (ages 6-10) will be held on February 8 from 1-3pm. An artist’s reception and awards ceremony will be held on March 7 at 12pm, and photos will be on display in our Upstairs Gallery during the month of March.

Framed prints appearing in the exhibit will be available for $25 and unframed prints are priced at $10 each. PhotoSpiva Kids and Tweens photographers earn 70% from each sale, just like their adult counterparts. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn photography as an art form and exhibit your pieces in our gallery! For any questions, please email Sarah Clements at sclements@spivaarts.org. You may register at www.spivaarts.org/classes. Happy shooting!