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The Beaufort County Arts Council (BCAC) is set to host its 15th Annual Juried Photography Exhibition, welcoming photographers of all ages from Beaufort County and Eastern North Carolina. Submissions are open on March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The entry fee is $10 for members and $20 for non-members, with youth entries being free, sponsored by the council. The exhibition will feature six categories and opens to the public on April 3, with a closing reception and award ceremony scheduled for April 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m​​.

This year’s event highlights several changes and features designed to shine a spotlight on the artists.

“We really want to encourage sales during the entire show and encourage our community to support our photographers just as much as they did our fine artists in the fall,” said Bronté Labbé, the BCAC Visual Arts and Marketing Director.

A notable addition to this year’s exhibition is the participation of Charles Thrasher, a former competitor turned judge. Thrasher’s transition into this new role is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the judging process, which will now include a separate label for entries detailing the technique and effort involved in capturing the image.

Labbé also emphasized the importance of community support, stating that all awards are sponsored by community partners and supporters. The inclusion of a youth category is aimed at bolstering participation among young photographers.

“We really want [youth participants] to know that they don’t have to have a professionally matted framed piece to submit, and we can help them out with that,” Labbé added, highlighting the council’s commitment to accessibility and encouragement for budding artists.

The closing reception promises to be an engaging event, with plans to introduce a People’s Choice Award, further involving the community in celebrating the art of photography. This initiative mirrors the approach taken in the fine art show, allowing for greater interaction and feedback from attendees.

Whether through the lens of a seasoned photographer or the fresh perspective of youth, the exhibition is set to offer a panoramic view of the creative landscapes found in Beaufort County and beyond.