Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur shutterbug, Margot’s Gallery & Frame wants to give you the chance to display your talent by hosting the Photographs of Michigan exhibition July 24 through Aug. 21.
Margot VanHorn, owner and operator of the downtown Oxford gallery for 11 years, said this will be the first time she’s hosted a exhibition that will feature work submitted by the general public. ‘I’ve done one man shows and group shows, but this will be a first for me,? she said.
What inspired her to do this is the economic decline of the state in the last few years. ‘We’re trying to promote Michigan because, I mean, you have to,? said Vanhorn. Her hope is that she can help people see the beauty and the opportunity that the state has to offer, despite the recent set-back in job and market stability. ‘I really like photography, and I just thought it would be a good way to promote the arts.?
VanHorn will dedicate the entire gallery to this exhibit, hopefully covering all the walls with the photography of tri-county residents.
‘Whoever wants to participate can, and I encourage as many people to as possible.? she said. ‘It’s a chance for people to see their art in a new way.?
After all the entries are submitted, Vanhorn will decide which photographs will be accepted. However, she is trying to include as many as possible, only shying away from photos that are vulgar or in bad taste.
The gallery will then publish a program-type brochure with a list of all the artists in the show. ‘That way, people can find a way contact you if they want,? she said. No artwork will be reproduced for advertisements or announcements, though, and the copyright will remain with the artist.
The rules of the exhibit are quite lax, requiring only that photo be taken of something in Michigan. There are no minimum or maximum size limits for the photographs. ‘The only thing I ask is that the photos are matted and framed and ready to go,? said Vanhorn. ‘It’s not an exhibit where people just come in and look. Everything will be for sale.?
The artists will be responsible for establishing a sales price for their art. VanHorn will charge a 30 percent commission for all sold items, which is reasonably less than most galleries. ‘It gives me an opportunity to promote the arts beyond the artists I represent,? she said.
All photos will be judged by William E. Dwyer, an award-winning photographer. A first, second and third place winner will be announced along with an undetermined number of honorable mentions.
In addition to this, the Oxford Leader will be doing a separate judging, where they will award one contest winner. Prizes have not been announced yet as they will depend on the number of entries.
‘The more entries we get, the better the prizes,? said VanHorn.
The entry fee is $25 for up to two photos and $30 for up to three. Three is the maximum number of photos allowed per person in order to allow as many participants the opportunity to enter. A brochure with full contest entry details is available at Margot’s gallery or can be downloaded at www.margotsgalleryframe.com.
All entries must be dropped off at the gallery July 8-11 during normal business hours of Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Non-accepted work and accepted work that doesn’t sell will be available for the artist to pick up.
The exhibition will be free of charge and is open to the public. The opening ceremony will take place Friday, July 24 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.