Celebrate Our Waters, sponsored by the Orleans Pond Coalition (OPC), is an annual weekend of festivities to bring attention to protecting our fresh and salt waters. It is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20. This year’s theme is “our waters as artistic inspiration,” and Celebrate Our Waters will include a month-long photography exhibition in September, to celebrate the visual beauty of our waterscapes.
We are soliciting entries to be considered for this photography exhibition. Specifics for submission of photographs are listed below. Selected photographs will be displayed from Sept. 1 – 30, 2026 in the Craine Gallery of Snow Library in Orleans. Here is a timeline for the exhibition and associated events:
- June 15 – initial date for photo submissions (send to celebratewaters@gmail.com). See submission specifics below.
- July 31 – final date to accept submissions.
- August 10 – notification to photographers about acceptance to the exhibition.
- September 1 – accepted works will be hung in the Craine Gallery between 10 am and 1 pm that day.
- September 30 – all photographs must be removed from the Gallery between 10 am and 12 noon that day.
In addition, there will be 2 associated events in September in the Gallery:
- An artist reception on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11 am to 1 pm.
- Celebrate Our Waters presentations and readings on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 am until 3:30 pm.
Specifics for submitting your photographs (please read carefully):
- Each photographer can submit up to 2 photos. We expect to display 30-40 images. The subject of your photos must align with the event’s theme (see above).
- Please email your photo(s) to celebratewaters@gmail.com as jpeg images no larger than 1900 x 1080 pixels. Each image should be labeled as: Lastname_Firstname_Title.
- Submissions must be received by July 31 and photographers will be notified about acceptance to the exhibition by August 10.
- All successful entries must be framed and have an attached wire for hanging. Matting is recommended but not required. Framed photos must measure between 12” x 16” and 18” x 24.”
- Accepted photos need to be delivered to Snow Library on Sept. 1, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, when they will be hung. All photographs must be removed on Sept.30 between 10:00 am and 12 pm.
- You may offer your photograph(s) for sale. When you submit your images, please state your interest in selling your work. Include your asking price and contact information. All sales transactions are between the buyer and the photographer. The Craine Gallery and the Orleans Pond Coalition will play no role in art sales. A donation of 10% of the sale price to Snow Library is encouraged but not required.
- Attendance at the gallery reception on Sept.12 and at the Celebrate Our Waters events in the Craine Room on Sept. 19 is encouraged.