The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown is accepting digital images from community members in the Bucks County, Philadelphia and greater Delaware Valley region through Jan. 15, that capture the many meanings of “essential work” in 2020.
Approximately 20-25 images will be selected by a committee of community and culture leaders to be displayed in the exhibition Essential Work 2020: A Community Portrait, planned to be on view in the museum’s Beans Gallery from March 19-July 11. No professional photography experience necessary to apply and smartphone photos are admissible.
As the United States was confronted with the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice, political protests and a heated presidential election, 2020 will be long remembered as a year of upheaval and uncertainty. During these challenging times, the creation and sharing of images has raised awareness, communicated information, spread hope and strengthened connections. The focus of this exhibition is to identify how different people interpret what work is essential for our health, wellbeing and a more equitable future.
The Michener is working with a panel of judges to choose images to be included in the show. Selected submitted work will be of good image quality, provide a creative and thought-provoking response to the call’s theme, and present a diversity of vision. The below jurors will begin the selection process in January:
– Jenice Armstrong, Metro Columnist, The Philadelphia Inquirer
– Ruben Christie, former Vice President, African American Museum of Bucks County
– Laura Turner Igoe, PhD, Curator of American Art, Michener Art Museum
– Marlene Pray, MEd, Community Organizer, Director/Founder, Planned Parenthood’s The Rainbow Room
Photographs may be submitted here. Each person whose work is selected will be presented with a one-year Individual Membership to the Michener Art Museum. Chosen work may be featured on the Michener’s website, social media, promotional material and publications. Submission deadline is Jan. 15.
