Milledgeville Baldwin County Allied Arts is prepping for its annual Oconee Artists Exhibit and Big Click: Beyond the Lens Exhibit. Both exhibits will feature works turned in by artists in the Middle Georgia Community in hopes of winning each contest.
The Oconee Artists Exhibit has been an annual event in Milledgeville for over a decade. Artists may submit pieces in the drawing, mixed media, painting, sculpture/ pottery, or digital art categories.
“This is a tradition for Allied Arts that has been supporting local artists since before I or Rebekah (Tobar) began working here,” said Kristin Allen, program coordinator at Allied Arts. “This is the chance for anyone in the community to show off their art in an exhibition, even if they only have a single piece. We encourage anyone interested to submit a piece.”
The Big Click debuted about seven years ago and is focused solely on photography and photo manipulation. This year the contest will be exhibited alongside the Oconee Artists Exhibit, since that exhibit excludes photography.
“Photo manipulation and editing was a new addition we added to the Big Click this year. We’ve had exhibits for photography in the past that focus on that subject or showcased some pieces with it so we wanted to open the contest to it as well,” said Allen.
The entry fee for each contest is $20 and artists may submit up to three pieces for each. The deadline to sign up is April 30 and pieces must be delivered between April 29 through May 5 to the Marlor House at 201 N. Wayne St. Winners for both contests will be announced at a reception from 5-7 p.m. on May 9 at the Marlor House.
“Artists can choose to sell their artwork in either exhibit as well. Allied arts receives 30% after taxes and the artist will receive 70% of the earnings,” said Allen.
First-place winners for either contest will win $300, second place $200, and third place $100 while honorable mentions will receive a ribbon.
“These two exhibits are our biggest features each year allowing artists from different focuses and locations to come together and create a display that teaches our local community about the range of art and how each artist finds their purpose to create,” said Allen. “We hope to have a big turnout for the contest and at the reception.”