Happy Halloween!

From the InFocus Photo Team: HAPPY HALLOWEEN

This is a quick reminder that our deadline for submissions for InFocus Photo Exhibit is today at 11:59pm. Here is some info about InFocus. Good luck on your submission!

INFOCUS 2016 LOGO Alexis Marie Chute FB 6

InFocus Photo Exhibit: Deadline October 31, 2015

MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

WHEN: February 1 – 29, 2016

WHEREDC3 Art Projects (10567 111 St) commercial gallery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

WHY: “Photography is the medium of our times.” – Exposure Photography Festival

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus Photo on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

 

Have a spooktacular night!

Halloween for InFocus Photo Exhibit

Tomorrow is Halloween and also the deadline for InFocus Photo Exhibit. If you are wise, young grasshopper, you will enter your photography for consideration in InFocus today. On the other hand, what is more haunting and terrifying than waiting till the last minute to submit?

Halloween for InFocus Photo Exhibit

It's obvious you work hard for your photography...

It’s obvious you work hard for your photography…

I can see it now: Photographers running from their computers, entering their images, to their door as the doorbell rings, children chanting, “Trick or treat! Give me something good to eat!”

Whenever you enter is great – as long as you do. If the urge is there, it’s important. If you want to get your work off your computer and onto a gallery’s walls, make the time. If you believe the project you have been working on in secret is finally ready, please share it with us.

The smile on this guy's face cracks me up. He's super proud of himself.

The smile on this guy’s face cracks me up. He’s super proud of himself.

One of the things I love the most about InFocus is the passion and community that grows out of an exhibition like this. Where there is passion and innovative work, everyone benefits. Both the maker and the viewers. Community is also invaluable. Life is short and its way more fun to have other photographer friends.

Here is some info about InFocus and how to submit. We on the InFocus Team look forward to receiving your submission. Curation begins in November. I’m excited! The air is changing – winter is coming and so too is this awesome group exhibit.

 

I think you can tell by now that I had a lot of fun googling photographer costumes!

I think you can tell by now that I had a lot of fun googling photographer costumes!

InFocus Photo Exhibit Deadline October 31, 2015

MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

WHEN: February 1 – 29, 2016

WHEREDC3 Art Projects (10567 111 St) commercial gallery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

WHY: “Photography is the medium of our times.” – Exposure Photography Festival

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus Photo on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

When I think about it, a photographer dressing up as a photographer for Halloween is kind of silly. It's like a dentist dressing up as a dentist. It's like a garbage man trick or treating as a garbage man. The while idea of Halloween is to be someone (or something) different!

When I think about it, a photographer dressing up as a photographer for Halloween is kind of silly. It’s like a dentist dressing up as a dentist. It’s like a garbage man trick or treating as a garbage man. The whole idea of Halloween is to be someone (or something) different!

Enjoy all the sweets! And good luck with your submissions!

InFocus Photo Exhibit People’s Choice Award

Exciting news for InFocus Photo Exhibit:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!

As a part of this year’s exhibit, all photographers selected for the show will have their images featured on the InFocus Photo page. Anyone from around the world may view the photographs and vote for their favorites.

 

infocus photo ca fb profile pic 3

Have you submitted to InFocus Photo Exhibit yet? There is still time!

The deadline for entries is two days away! Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 11:59pm.

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Copyright Candace Makowichuck. Candace is one of the InFocus Photo 2015 Alumni Photographers.

Copyright Candace Makowichuck. Candace is one of the InFocus Photo 2015 Alumni Photographers.

More about InFocus:

MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

WHEN: February 1 – 29, 2016

WHEREDC3 Art Projects (10567 111 St) commercial gallery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

WHY: “Photography is the medium of our times.” – Exposure Photography Festival

 

Copyright Gerry Dotto. Gerry is one of the 2015 InFocus Alumni Photographers.

Copyright Gerry Dotto. Gerry is one of the 2015 InFocus Alumni Photographers.

 

The opening reception will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 7:00 to 10:00pm, with the curator talk and announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner at 7:30pm.

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

 

We look forward to receiving your submissions! Thank you to everyone who has entered!

 

InFocus Photo Exhibit Deadline October 31

Three days from now the InFocus Photo Exhibit call for submissions will officially close. Now is your chance to enter this exciting opportunity. Selected photographers will have their work exhibited in a group show. The exhibit will be held at DC3 Art Projects Gallery in Edmonton, Alberta.

InFocus Photo Exhibit Deadline October 31, 2015

Speaking of Alberta, photographers from all across the province are welcome to submit!

InFocus MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

INFOCUS 2016 LOGO Alexis Marie Chute FB 6

InFocus Photo Exhibit will take place during Exposure Photography Festival in February 2016. Exposure believes that photography is the medium of our times. I happen to agree. How many of us take photographs on our phones, carry a camera with us and diligently document vacations, events and aspire to do even more?

One of the great things about InFocus Photo is that we invite submissions from students, armatures and professional photographers alike. We are looking for “innovative, thoughtful and provocative photography.”

InFocus Edmonton 2015 Alexis Marie Chute artist curator photography 01 blog

InFocus Photo Exhibit 2015

 

For some who have never submitted to a competition like this, I say, “Give it a shot!” The worst that can happen is you learn from the process and can try again with more confidence next year. The best that can happen is your photography is selected and exhibited in the gallery along with other amazing photographers. You may even sell your work right off the gallery walls. You photos will be promoted across Alberta during a major photography festival that brings nation-wide attention. Truly, this is a pretty sweet opportunity!

Don’t wait till 11:59 pm on our deadline: October 31, 2015. Enter today!

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus Photo on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

 

InFocus 2015 Alumni Photographers

InFocus 2015 Alumni Photographers. Who will join us for the InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016 round-up?

We look forward to receiving your submissions! And thank-you to all those who have already entered!

 

Enter your Photo to InFocus before October 15

Enter your Photography to InFocus before October 15! Here is why:

The deadline for the InFocus Photo Exhibit is just over a month away. If you haven’t submitted yet, prep your strongest images! We are looking for the best photography by Alberta’s photographers. It is going to be an incredible exhibition, held at DC3 Art Projects during Exposure Photography Festival.

Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity!

The deadline is officially October 31, 2015, but for those who submit before October 15th, there is an added benefit. We will be choosing the image to represent InFocus from these early bird entries. Submit before October 15th! Don’t procrastinate!

InFocus Photography Exhibition 20115

InFocus Photography Exhibition 2015

More about InFocus:

MISSION: To promote and exhibit innovative, thoughtful, and provocative photography created by Alberta’s contemporary image makers.

WHEN: February 1 – 29, 2016

WHEREDC3 Art Projects (10567 111 St) commercial gallery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

WHY: “Photography is the medium of our times.” – Exposure Photography Festival

Submission deadline: October 31, 2015. No Extensions. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

Infocus2016forAMArt

The opening reception will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 7:00 to 10:00pm, with the curator talk and announcement of the People’s Choice Award winner at 7:30pm.

Click here to visit the InFocus Photo Exhibit page.

Click here to submit your photography to InFocus.

Like InFocus on Facebook.

Follow InFocus on Twitter: @infocusphotoCAN

Back to School for the Artist & Photographer

Buying my daughter’s school supplies made me jealous. Her brand new pencil crayons, felts, erasers, paint, paper… There is something exciting about new art materials! They make my fingers dance eagerly while my mind imagines the dust of charcoal and my paint-covered apron.

Art supplies Alexis Marie Chute Art BLOG

Back to school marks a time to get focused and resume routines long forgotten over the summer.

  • It’s a time to buy the books on the book list.
  • Stock the backpack.
  • Pull on the new shoes.
  • Fill the binders with paper.
  • Organize the calendar.
  • Get on track with work and life…

Oops! I may have mixed my own back to school list with my kids’ just now – but adults tend to get back into the swing of things in September just like children. The vacation is over. The sleep bank has been filled (hopefully) and soon the tan has already faded.

I think September is an excellent time to make resolutions; maybe an even better time than New Years.

Over the summer I love to read as many books as possible, daydream about my art and plan how my work will move forward.

It’s almost the end of September, baby!

For me, I am excited to reestablish regular art-making and writing routines this autumn. There are a lot of big projects coming up that were hard to focus on over the summer when my kids were calling me to play.

Now is the time. 

Art supplies pastels Alexis Marie Chute Art BLOG

One of the things on my list this fall is the InFocus Photo Exhibit. We are currently accepting submissions until the end of October. If you are an Alberta photographer, click here to learn more.

I also have a plethora of book projects I’m working on and am eager to stretch some canvases and get painting…

Truly, September is a time of invigoration and new energy!

What will be keeping you busy this fall?

Do you love “back to school” time – or hate it? (No judgement!)

What art project did you put aside over the summer that you will be picking up again?

Happy art-making!

– Alexis Marie

InFocus Photo Exhibit: Meet the Curator

InFocus Photo Exhibit: Meet the Curator

In case you don’t know me already: my name is Alexis Marie Chute! I am the curator for the annual InFocus Photography Exhibition. You can read my bio by clicking here.

Background of InFocus:

I came up with the idea for InFocus after learning that Exposure Photography Festival 2015 was going to be Alberta-wide. In previous years, the festival only included Calgary, Banff and Canmore. I saw this as an important opportunity to include Edmonton photographers into the celebration and conversation about contemporary photography. Thus, the InFocus Edmonton exhibition took place last February 2015, showcasing 30 image-makers from the city and area. Over 250 visitors took in the exhibit over its three day run.

Award:

After InFocus Edmonton, my organization and curatorial work for the exhibit was recognized at the annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts, in association with PACE Edmonton. I was honoured to accept the John Poole Award for Promotion of the Arts. InFocus was my labor of love, with my InFocus Team, and the exhibit was reward in and of itself. However, the award was a wonderful confirmation that InFocus met many of its important goals.

InFocus Photo 2016:

Moving forward, I want to ensure InFocus does not remain insular. New ideas and perspectives from across the province will come together in this year’s exhibit. Therefore, the call for submissions was extended to photographers from across Alberta for 2016. I believe this decision will set the bar high, allowing our province’s pivotal image-makers to unite in one exhibition. It will be a great statement to the photographic creativity in our province and allow us to comment on our place in the contemporary photography scene.

Why Submit to InFocus 2016:

If you are an Alberta photographer, I hope you consider submitting to InFocus. It is a great opportunity for many reasons:

  • Recognition across Alberta and Canada as a top photographer
  • Exhibition credit in the commercial gallery, DC3 Art Projects
  • Promote and sell your work to a wide audience
  • Become a member of the InFocus alumni, honoured at all InFocus exhibits
  • Participation in Exposure Photography Festival
  • Connect with other photographers and organizations
  • Share your creative vision and the story behind your work

alexis marie chute curator infocus photo exhibit art blog

What I’m looking for:

As a curator, here is what I look for in the images that will make up the 2016 InFocus Exhibition. (I realize this list is vague, just as describing art itself is subjective and somewhat “in the eye of the beholder.” Still, I hope this list will cause a moment of pause as you consider which images to submit.)

  • Inventiveness
  • Technical skill
  • Creativity
  • Meaning
  • Artistry

Thank you for getting to know a little bit more about me and InFocus. I look forward to your submissions and seeing you at the exhibit.

Inspiration at the MIT MUSEUM

Inspiration is inevitable at the MIT Museum!

The MIT Museum is one of the coolest places on earth. There are robots, inventions and exhibitions that had me shaking my head in awe. Their impressive collections include science and technology, architecture and design, and holography – just to name a few!

If you want to visit the MIT Museum, here are the details:

Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except major holidays

Adults: $10.00; youth under 18, students, seniors: $5:00; children under age 5: free

265 Massachusetts Ave.
Building N51
Cambridge, MA 02139

Phone: 617-253-5927
Fax: 617-253-8994
E-mail: museuminfo@mit.edu

Some of my favorite exhibits at the MIT Museum:

Robots and Beyond: Exploring Artificial Intelligence at MIT

An exhibit that reminded me of Terminator – just kidding (sort of)! There you will see tele-operated surgical robots, robotic legs, socially intelligent humanoid robots and other prototypes.

MIT museum Alexis marie chute art Robotics 01

Gestural Engineering: The Sculpture of Arthur Ganson

Featuring Arthur Ganson’s kinetic sculptures, this exhibit was both staggeringly inventive and aesthetically beautiful. The artist’s invitation: “The objects are part of a cycle. I take an idea from my heart, but it is not complete until you have seen it, and found your own meaning in it.”

MIT museum Alexis marie chute art gestural engineering 01

MIT museum Alexis marie chute art gestural engineering 03

Photography

Their photography exhibits were also pretty amazing!

MIT museum Alexis marie chute art photography 01

MIT museum Alexis marie chute art photography 02

MIT museum Alexis marie chute art photography 03

I am still reeling from my visit to the MIT Museum. Have you ever been there? If I hadn’t visited with my three-year-old and five-year-old who wanted to race through and see it all (as fast as they could), I imagined myself hanging around there all day, sketching the robotics and sculptures, reading every informational panel and soaking up the creativity and inventiveness of the students and expert thinkers and their ideas shared within the space. What a gift! Maybe on my next trip to Cambridge, MA.

What museums get your mind buzzing?

What places do you find yourself lingering and soaking everything up?

InFocus Exhibit 2016 Photo Submission Q&A

Do you have questions about InFocus Photo Exhibit 2016? We have answers. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for below, please send us an email to infocus@alexismariechute.com, with the subject line: “Question about InFocus 2016.”

Infocus2016forAMArt

InFocus Exhibit 2016 Photo Submission Q&A

Is there a theme for the InFocus Exhibit?

There is no theme or categories for the exhibition. It is an open-theme show which means you may submit photographs of any subject you like. The goal of InFocus is to exhibit the best work by Alberta photographers.

Is there a limit to the number of photographs I can submit?

No. You can submit as many photographic images as you’d like. The cost to enter is $25 per three images. If you want to enter more than three, you may do so in a subsequent entry.

Am I guaranteed to be included in the exhibition?

No. As the goal of InFocus Photo Exhibit is to show the best work from Alberta, and also the fact that our space is limited, only a select number of photographs and photographers will be included. Even if your work is not selected, it may just mean we ran out of space and we strongly encourage you to submit again next year.

Who can submit to InFocus?

Anyone living in Alberta may submit. The competition is open to professionals, amateurs, students and young people.

How will the photographs and photographers be selected?

InFocus is curated by Alexis Marie Chute, BFA, MFA. She will select the images for inclusion from all submissions. She is looking for high quality photography that exhibits the talent and interests of our creative community. Alexis Marie won the prestigious John Poole Award for Promotion of the Arts in 2015 for her work with the inaugural InFocus Exhibit that same year.

Where will the photographs be displayed?

InFocus will be hung in the Edmonton based commercial gallery DC3 Art Projects.

Why is it important that InFocus is a part of Exposure Photography Festival?

2015 was the first year Exposure Photo Festival was province wide. In the past, Exposure only included Calgary, Banff and Canmore. Celebrating the creativity of our entire province sets the bar high and is a strong platform to promote local talent and launch emerging photographers.

When will the exhibition take place?

InFocus will be open to the public for viewing during the DC3 Art Projects gallery hours throughout the entire month of February, 2016. Gallery hours: Wednesdays 12 – 5 pm, Thursdays 12 – 8 pm, Fridays 12 – 5 pm, and Saturdays 11 – 5:30 pm. Other times by appointment.

What is the deadline to submit to InFocus Photo Exhibit?

To be considered for the featured image to represent InFocus in the Exposure magazine, the deadline is OCTOBER 15, 2015. The call for submissions for InFocus will officially close on OCTOBER 31, 2015. Please submit early.

What is the schedule of when photographers will be notified, and when I would need to drop off my work and pick it up?

Please see the official call for submissions page for the InFocus Photo Exhibit schedule.

Do I need to resize my files for submission?

Yes. Please see the InFocus Photo Exhibit technical details on the official call for submissions page.

Does my photograph(s) need to be framed to be accepted?

Your images must be prepared in a professional manner for exhibition. What that means is that they need to be printed at a high quality and either professionally framed or printed on canvas and stretched. No decorative or multi-coloured frames will be accepted. All photographs must be wired for easy hanging. Any work accepted for the exhibition but then delivered without the above listed standards, will be disqualified from the exhibition.

What do you recommend for framing?

Professional framing is always best but professional quality consumer frames will also be accepted. There must be real glass or non-glare Plexiglas, not plastic, used in the framing. Simple black/white/wood frames with mated images are a classic way to present your photograph(s). Please note the type of framing/presentation method chosen when submitting your work.

How much mating should I have around my photographs?

The size of the mat is personal preference and also a consideration of style and impact. It can be visually catching to have a smaller image with a large mat, or no mat around a photograph in a simple frame, for example. Generally, a minimum of two inches of mat around an image will give the photograph room to breathe.

Do you accept mixed media art?

We will accept mixed media art as long as the primary medium is photography. If you have questions about your specific piece, please email Alexis Marie Chute: info@alexismariechute.com

What size should I make my photographs for the exhibition?

This is up to you. If you are flexible regarding the size you print your image(s) for the exhibition, please note this in your submission form. Depending on space factors and the number of works to be shown, extremely large photographs may not fit – but this is where the curatorial magic comes in. At the end of the day, size your images to match your vision. Please state the image printed size and the final framing size in your submission.

Why do I need to submit my CV and artist statement?

This information will be printed and available for viewers of the exhibition. This information is often of interest to visitors wishing to purchase a photograph. Things to list on your artist CV that relate to you as a photographer: education, classes, exhibitions, publications, collaborations, memberships, volunteering, grants, etc. If you do not have anything to list in these categories – that’s okay! Maybe InFocus will be your first accolade on your new photography CV. If you do not submit a CV, that is totally fine. Please remember to put your NAME on all word or pdf documents submitted.

What is important to include is your artist statement: This can be as short as a few sentences to a few paragraphs. In your artist statement you can talk about how you got interested in photography, how you take your photographs, why photography is important to you and the meaning behind your work.

Can I submit a series of photographs?

Yes. The whole series may be accepted or only one image, depending on space.

Why is there a fee to submit?

InFocus Photo Exhibit is a volunteer effort and labor of love by the InFocus Team. The fee to submit your photographs goes to the practical aspects of mounting the exhibition. Such expenses include: listing the exhibition in the Exposure magazine, advertising the show, marketing & PR, printing invitations and posters, venue insurance, reception party snacks and wine, small printed programs for the show, web and domain hosting, and competitions.

How do you accept payment?

Payment is made by PayPal, either by a PayPal account or through their system using a credit card. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by PayPal.

Can I sell my photograph(s) displayed during InFocus Photo Exhibit?

Yes! One of the goals of InFocus is to support our local creative talent. All photographers will earn 50% from their sale of their work, as per standard commercial gallery commissions. Gallery staff and InFocus volunteers will strive to sell the photographer’s work and will provide interested buyers with the photographer’s contact information and purchase details.

How can I volunteer for InFocus Photo Exhibit?

InFocus has many volunteer opportunities including: hanging and striking the show, distributing the call for submissions and exhibition posters, manning the show, and setting up for and clean up after the reception, for example. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, first of all: THANK YOU! Please contact Alexis Marie to be added to our volunteer list: info@alexismariechute.com

How should I price my photograph(s)?

This is a personal decision. Some things to consider: printing costs, framing costs and your own value as a photographer (your worth should never underestimate yourself). Think about what price you are comfortable selling your work. Please do not value your work too low. If your photography is accepted into InFocus, you may discuss the price with the curator at that time.

What should I list for the date and medium of my photographs?

The date should be listed as the year the image was made. The medium can be something to the effect of “Photograph” or “Photograph on aluminum” or “Mixed-medium Photograph” or “Giclée print” for example.

What is the Curator Talk?

At 7:30pm on Thursday, February 4, 2016, curator Alexis Marie Chute will discuss the ideas and importance behind InFocus Photo Exhibit and Alberta photography, as well share about the images and photographers selected for the show.

When is the reception party taking place?

The InFocus Photo Exhibit opening reception (party!) is on Thursday, February 4, 2016, from 7 – 10pm. There will be live music, snacks and drinks. If you would like an invitation to the reception party, please send your mailing address to info@alexismariechute.com. RSVP please to help the InFocus Team. All photographers are encouraged to attend and invite their family and friends. It is going to be a great night!

 


 

If you have questions not addressed here, please email infocus@alexismariechute.com and you will receive timely answers. Odds are that if you are wondering, others are as well.

Best wishes for submitting to InFocus Photo Exhibit! We look forward to seeing your work!

Click here to read the InFocus Photo Exhibit Call for Submissions.

Click here to Submit to InFocus Photo Exhibit.

Like InFocus on Facebook.

Follow us on Twitter: @InfocusPhotoCAN

 


 

The InFocus Call for Submissions Opens August 1

InFocus is a celebration of the best in contemporary photography. It is an exhibition and celebration I am honoured to curate, bringing attention to noteworthy image-makers and their work. Last year, InFocus set out to showcase the top photographers from Edmonton. This year, we have expanded the region to include all of Alberta. The bar will be set high as we welcome images from across our diverse province this summer and fall during our call for submissions.

INFOCUS 2016 LOGO large Alexis Marie Chute Art line

The InFocus exhibition will run the month of February 2016 during Exposure Photography Festival. Photographs selected for InFocus will be exhibited in DC3 Art Projects, a commercial gallery in Edmonton. I am so glad DC3 Art Projects has come on board so our exhibition will run the whole month of February and display the photographers work in such a beautiful space.

InFocus is a great opportunity for photographers! The call for submissions opens on August 1, 2015. I hope you will submit.

Please click here for more information about InFocus.

Subscribe to this blog to receive updates on InFocus.