America 250

U.S. National Deadline: May 17, 2026 – Gallery One Visual Arts Center is proud to announce its ninth national juried exhibition, “America 250,” celebrating the Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

The national call for entries invites photographers across the United States to submit works that explore the theme of America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibition seeks photography that “turns the camera lens onto our nation” and reflects aspects of what America means, stands for, or could become.

The exhibition will run from June 19 through August 1, 2026, at Gallery One’s multi-level space in downtown Ellensburg, Washington.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all artists 18 years and older residing in the USA. Accepted entries MUST be identical to submitted images, or the work will not be exhibited. Acceptance implies the use of your images and your name in any printed or online publicity. All work must have been completed by the artist and cannot have been created under the direction of an instructor or as a matriculated student.

For the purpose of this exhibition, we define photography as works created using a digital or film camera that are unaltered except where slight enhancements are needed for lighting, coloration or contrast. Works created using AI are not allowed. Artists are asked to submit works that turn the camera lens onto our nation, the United States of America, and reflect an aspect of our country, what it means, what it stands for, or what it could be. Works should not promote or slander a particular political party or candidate or depict overtly graphic imagery.

JURORS
Gail Gibson… see
C. Meier… see

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
The jurors will distribute $800 in awards across four categories:
$300 – Best at capturing the exhibit theme
$200 – Best traditional approach to photography
$200 – Best non-traditional approach to photography
$100 – Award of Merit

ENTRY FEE
$20 for first entry (+$10 each additional entry)

APPLY ONLINE

Awards will be announced at the exhibition reception on July 3, 2026

About:
Gallery One Visual Arts Center is dedicated to the creation, exhibition and appreciation of visual arts in Central Washington. In addition to rotating exhibits of contemporary art, Gallery One offers a variety of quarterly classes, an art after school program for kids, a gift store featuring regional artisans, a full ceramics studio available for classes or private rentals, inexpensive studio spaces for artists and facility rentals for the community.