ARTIST ELIGIBILITY:

• All artists must be 18 years or older and reside in Tennessee or Kentucky.

 

ARTWORK ELIGIBILITY:

• All work must be original and created solely by the artist using some form of camera capture.

• All work must have been completed within the past 3 years.

• Photographs entered in previous DAC Juried Photography Expos are ineligible for reentry.

• The use of text-based Artificial Intelligence is prohibited.

• No personal identification or text of any type is allowed in the photo. This includes, but not limited to,

a quote, title, photographer’s name, watermark or logo.

• Image editing is allowed; however, over-sharpening, over-saturation, or over-editing will be considered in the judging process.

 

IMAGE SPECIFICATIONS:

• Image files should be as high quality as possible.

• The file size should be as large as possible but not exceed a maximum of 2 megabytes.

• Files are to be in JPG format.

 

FRAMING AND HANGING SPECIFICATIONS:

• Entries, including frame if applicable, must not exceed 36” on the longest side.

• If framed, the frame must be secure.

• Canvas wrapped work is acceptable.

• All artwork must be securely back-wired. This includes images on glass, metal, or an alternative

medium. NO SAW-TOOTHED HANGERS ALLOWED.

 

ENTRY ACCEPTANCE & JUDGING:

• The decision of the judge is final.

• Entries will be judged on theme, artistic merit, presentation, and technique. This includes but is not limited to proper categorization, image quality, composition, presentation, sharpness, and white balance.

• The DAC reserves the right to reject any entry for any reason, including those that fail to follow the contest rules or whose subject matter is deemed unsuitable as stated in the DAC’s Curatorial Guidelines:

  • The DAC strives to provide tasteful and harmonious fine art exhibits at both our main and extended galleries where our patrons, guests and members of the community can experience various art forms in a positive environment.

 

RISK AND LIABILITY:

Completion of the entry form constitutes agreement by the entrant that there shall be no liability on the part of the Downtown Artists Co-op or any members or sponsors for loss, damage, or destruction of any works.

Insurance of artwork is the sole responsibility of the participating entrant. By entering this event, you give consent to the DAC to use imagery of work exclusively for promotion of the exhibition and DAC.

 

CATEGORIES:

Artists may submit up to a total of 3 works. No more than one category allowed per image. Categories are:

1. PEOPLE - Human Portrait, Figure Study, People in Various Locations, Fashion, etc.

2. PLACE – Landscapes, Cityscapes, Interiors, etc.

3. FLORA FAUNA – Nature, Animal(s)

4. OBJECT - Still Life, Things, etc.

5. ABSTRACT – Non-representational, focus on visual elements, evokes imagination, etc.

 

AWARDS:​

• Entry into the exhibition is non-juried (all entries are accepted provided they meet prospectus requirements and DAC guidelines).

• Work entered and delivered to DAC Gallery will be displayed and juried for awards by a professional juror.

• Cash awards will be given for Best of Show as well as First, and Second Place in each category listed above.

• The cash award amounts will be based on entry fee receipts and sponsorships.

• Third Place Awards and Honorable Mention ribbons may be given at the discretion of the juror and based on entries per category.

 

ENTRY PROCEDURES:​

• All entries and entry fees will be made here

• Deadline for entry is 5 PM, Friday, January 23, 2026, without exception.

• Entry fees are $35 for one entry, $50 for two entries, or $60 for three entries. Fees are non-refundable.

• Upload a digital JPEG image of each entry. Images will be posted on the DAC website and Facebook page exactly as submitted.

  • Each image must be a minimum of 72 dpi, with a maximum file size of 2 MB.

  • Digital image should be cropped to show only the photographic image without mat or frame.

  • Care should be taken to avoid glare on images submitted.

  • Correctly orient the image as viewed, vertically or horizontally.

  • Rename the JPEG file as follows before upload: FirstName_LastName_Title of Piece.jpg Example: John_Doe_Best Photo Ever.jpg

• Download and print the information tag form. Complete a form for each entry, assuring the entry information matches the information on the entry form and tag.

• Cut out the information tag and tape to the back of the matching artwork for delivery to the DAC Gallery.

 

DELIVERY OF ARTWORK:

• Art must be delivered to the DAC Gallery, 96 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN on Saturday, January 31st between the hours of 9 AM - 5 PM.

• Entries will be checked to assure online entry procedure has been completed and entries meet specified requirements. Entries not meeting requirements may be disqualified.

 

RECEPTION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARDS:

Entrants are encouraged to attend the opening reception on February 5, 2026, from 5-8 PM. Award winners will be announced live at DAC at 6:30 PM and on the DAC social media pages. Winners will also be posted at DAC Gallery, on the DAC website and on DAC social media along with the juror’s comments about pieces chosen for Best of Show and First and Second place awards.

 

DISPLAY OF EXHIBITION:

The exhibit will hang in the DAC Gallery from February 3 through February 28, 2026. Additionally, artwork images will be displayed on the DAC website throughout the exhibition for an extended time period.

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ART SALES:

DAC strongly encourages all entries to be priced for sale. DAC will receive 30% commission on all sales. Sold work must remain on display at DAC Gallery through end of exhibit. Funds from all sales will be delivered to artists after exhibition or by the end of the first week of March 2026.

 

PICKUP OF ARTWORK:

All entries must remain on display for the duration of the exhibit. At the conclusion of the exhibit, work must be picked up and signed for at the gallery Saturday, February 28th, 2026 between the hours of 9 AM -5 PM. Any entries not picked up by March 30, 2026 will become the property of DAC.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT

- Kris Lee 931-216-6983 kavlee89@yahoo.com OR

- Patty Gabilondo 770-778-4942 pgabilondo@comcast.net