The North Fork Arts Center is putting out a call to photographers for a new juried exhibition that organizer Paul Henry hopes will be a first step toward building a broader photography community on the North Fork.
The exhibition, titled “IMPACT,” is open to photographers interested in submitting work that tells a story, provokes a reaction or otherwise leaves an impression on the viewer. Entries will be reviewed through a blind jury process.
Curated by photographers Henry and Jeremy Garretson on behalf of a group of North Fork photographers and artists, the exhibition is open to professionals, hobbyists, students and anyone with a passion for photography. There is no entry fee.
For Henry, a North Fork Arts Center board member, the idea grew out of his own increasing interest in photography, particularly street photography and portraiture, and conversations with photographers throughout the area.
“I’ve been circulating amongst all the local photographers and meeting so many local people that I was just so impressed [by] the scope and the diversity of all the photographers in this area,” Henry said. “And a lot of people were looking for a local show like this.”
Henry has some experience turning an interest in the visual arts into community programming. Years ago, he ran a student film program in Greenport before becoming involved with Tony Spiridakis and the Manhattan Film Institute. Over roughly a decade, he said, the program produced about 250 films in Greenport, including a claymation animation centered on Aldo’s Coffee Company.
Henry stressed that the idea of a larger photography program is his own vision rather than an established North Fork Arts Center initiative. He views the IMPACT exhibition in part as a way to test the concept.
“My goal is to connect to all the people interested in photography, and eventually come out of it with a photography program for the community,” Henry said. “My history is with the students, but this is a little broader because I think there’s a lot of adults that are interested in photography as well.”
His longer-term idea includes instructional and educational programming, workshops and other photography-related events. Henry said conversations with professional photographers in the area have reinforced the idea, with several expressing interest in contributing their expertise to the community.
Garretson, a frequent North Fork Sun contributor, agreed.
“I think it’ll bring a community of photographers together that aren’t often on display next to one another or haven’t met before, and my hope is that it brings some sort of camaraderie to the photographic community.”
Photographers may submit images along with a brief description of each photograph of no more than 100 words. Selected photographers will be asked to provide a framed print measuring no more than 24 by 36 inches. Exhibited works may be offered for sale, and artists may include website or portfolio information alongside their work.
Submissions are due Aug. 24. Artists will be notified by Sept. 8, with accepted work due by Oct. 8. The exhibition will open with a public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the North Fork Arts Center.
Digital submissions must be JPEG files without watermarks or logos. Basic photo editing is permitted, but AI-generated or substantially AI-altered images are not eligible. Photographers retain ownership and copyright of their work while granting organizers permission to use accepted images for exhibition-related promotional purposes.
Questions about the exhibition may be directed to impactphotoshow@gmail.com.
