The South Arkansas Arts Center recently announced it will host a joint artists' reception on Friday, Feb. 21.
The Arts Center invites the public to attend "The Viewfinder," the organization's bi-annual competitive photography exhibition, now showing in the Price and Merkle galleries through Feb. 26.
SAAC will host an awards reception on Friday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 6:30 pm. in the Price and Merkle galleries, at which a total of $600 in cash prizes will be awarded to participating artists.
In addition, the reception will also host Dr. Moises Menendez with his charcoal and graphite works, "Famous People" Series II, in the Lobby Gallery. This exhibit contains a collection of original portrait drawings of luminaries and notable persons throughout history who the artist says have inspired and challenged him during his life. Series II will hang until Feb. 28.
"'The Viewfinder' offers us the unique experience of actually seeing the world through someone else's eyes," said a SAAC representative. "Each photograph represents a moment in time in each photographer's life, whether it is a beautiful vista, a tender memory, or an unusual landscape."
Photographers of all ages submitted original images, captured with any camera and printed on varied media, for inclusion in the competition. Photographers could use basic corrective editing in the dark room or digitally, but no graphic manipulations or touch-ups were allowed. The photos had to have been taken within the last three years and not under supervision or in a classroom environment.
Including more than 63 photographs and five 3D pieces by more than 40 photographers, six of whom have never shown their work before, this year's entries include landscapes, animals, still life compositions, faces and nature, as well as many other subjects from local and regional photographers.
Steven E. Ochs from South Arkansas University in Magnolia will again judge this year's "Viewfinder." Ochs is a Professor of Art at SAU with 37 years of experience in education. He serves as the chair of the Department of Art and Design and is the owner of Public Art Walks, which specialize in public art projects utilizing decorative concrete.
Viewing hours for the Price and Merkle galleries are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call SAAC, 110 E. Fifth St., at 870-862-5474 or visit saac-arts.org.