Submission Description
“If the picture you get instantly is as beautiful as the picture you get by waiting seven days, then it is absolute madness to say that there is virtue in waiting.” - Edwin Land
This Union Street Gallery exhibition is all about the immediacy and magic of instant photography. It’s a nod to the shimmering moment when light and chemistry merge to create an image right before our eyes. Instant photography has mesmerized photographers, artists, and the world for decades, serving as a tangible record of our reality right now for years to come. Now, in an age saturated by digital snapshots, what is your unique perspective on this cherished, physical form of photography? How do you harness spontaneity and embrace the happy accidents that make each print an unrepeatable artifact?
Union Street Gallery is seeking original works that explore the essence of instant photography and the stories that emerge once the exposure is pulled from the camera. We invite traditional instant film prints and also encourage innovative approaches that push the boundaries of the medium—whether through experimental techniques, mixed media applications, or creative presentations that highlight the tactile nature of these images. Two-dimensional works on paper are welcome, as are installations, collages, sculptural forms and more that incorporate instant prints. Let your imagination unfold in an instant and share your vision of this iconic, enduring photographic process.
All submissions must use an analog print method. This includes but is not limited to 600 and SX-70 exposures for Integral Film cameras from manufacturers like Polaroid and Impossible Project, Instax Mini, Instax Wide, and Instax Square film for Fujifilm’s Instax line of cameras, as well as large format exposures, Spectra film, Captiva film, roll film, pack film, emulsion lifts, I-Zone film, movie film, Kodak instant film, and more! Digital instant photographs will not be accepted for this exhibition.
Submission Requirements:
We welcome submissions can be made of any combination of materials that include some use of instant film photography. We are especially interested in art that engages with the medium of instant photography in a way that connects with the theme of the show specifically. We welcome all who choose to submit to show both traditional and literal interpretations of the show’s theme as well as those who have a unique and nontraditional interpretation of the call.
- There are no size restrictions.
- You can submit between 1 and 5 works and we will accept a maximum of 3 works per artist to display during the show. Union Street Gallery understands that the nature of the medium can lend itself to diptychs, triptychs, collages, and other creative forms of presentation. One instant photograph doesn’t necessarily have to be considered as one singular artwork.
- Submission Fee: $30
- Union Street Gallery takes a 30% commission of artwork sales. Please consider this before submitting your prices on this application.
- Expectations are that artwork is ready to hang or display upon arrival. This includes but is not limited to artwork being framed, frames being wired for hanging, special display materials provided by the artist, etc. Also, all work must be accompanied by the following information: Title, Medium, Size, Price, Year. Unframed canvas board, sheets of paper or picture frames without hanging apparatus will not be included in the exhibition. Please ensure all artwork is finished and completely dry. Artwork that is still wet will not be included in the exhibition
SUBMISSION FEE: $30
PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDELINES:
Artists are encouraged to submit images that represent the artwork to its best advantage. Images shall give a sense of how the piece will sit or hang. Detailed photographs should show the technical excellence of the work or highlight special areas of interest.
The following must be included for each piece of artwork submitted:
- • One (1) full and one (1) detail image
- • File format: .JPG, .PNG, and .TIF
- • File dimensions: No larger than 2500 pixels on the longest side
- • File resolution: minimum 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution) and a maximum of 300 ppi/dpi
- • Video: not to exceed 400 MB per sample
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SUBMISSIONS
- Please include written instructions and photos for complicated installations upon mailing or drop-off of your Artwork if accepted
- Work that is unstable, unusually fragile, or does not meet the installation requirements will be disqualified.
- Any pieces deemed offensive, or not of the highest quality, will not be included in this exhibition.
- A label shall be securely attached to the bottom back right corner of the piece and contain the following information: Artist’s full name.
- Address that appears on the official entry form.
- The title of the entry.
- Phone number and email address.
- In an Instant is a show that will be displayed on the first and second floor exhibiting space of Union Street Gallery.
‘In An Instant’ TIMELINE :
- Submissions Open: January 31st, 2025
- Submission Deadline: March 22nd, 2025 (11:59 pm CST)
- Selection Notification: Between March 22nd, 2025 and March 27th, 2025
- Work is to arrive at Union Street Gallery between March 22nd and 28th during normal Gallery hours. Additional dates can be discussed if needed by the Artist. (Artwork that arrives or is dropped off later than March 28th will not be included in the exhibition).
- Exhibition Dates: April 3rd to May 10th, 2025
- Reception Date: April 12th, 2025, 11 AM to 4 PM
- Artwork pickup and shipping from Union Street Gallery will be between May 15th and 17th 2025 during normal Gallery Hours
AWARDS:
- 1 - First Place: $300
- 1 - Second Place: $150
- 1 - Third Place: $75
- 2 - Honorable Mentions
AWARDS JUROR:
This show will be juried in by Union Street Gallery Studio Artists. A Juror of Awards is to be announced.
SHIPPING:
Complete shipping instructions shall be sent with the acceptance notification of the artwork as well as a tracking number. Artists are responsible for shipping costs both to and from Union Street Gallery. All artworks should arrive at Union Street Gallery by March 28th, 2025. Artists are to send a prepaid return shipping label for the return of their artwork. If someone, other than the Artist, is removing artwork from the “Remembrances” exhibition, the Artist shall give Union Street Gallery written correspondence of this five (5) days prior to the end of the “In an Instant” exhibition or the piece may not be released.
INSURANCE:
Union Street Gallery does not insure exhibited artworks. Artists are responsible for insurance during shipping to and from Union Street Gallery.
SALES:
Price and/or value of an accepted entry shall not be changed after it is submitted Union Street Gallery retains 30% of the profits from each art piece sold during the exhibition. All sold works will be taxed Chicago Heights, Illinois 10% sales tax. Artwork in the Vessels exhibition may be listed as not for sale (NFS). Union Street Gallery will handle all sales transactions while artwork is in the Vessels exhibition. Union Street Gallery shall make shipping arrangements to a buyer, if shipping is necessary, at the buyer’s expense. Sold artwork must remain for the duration of the exhibition. Payments to the Artist for sold work will be made within 30 days after the exhibition closes.
PERMISSION AND COPYRIGHT:
By submitting an entry, the Artist grants permission for Union Street Gallery to use the accepted image on their websites, in brochures, in promotional materials, and publicity about the ‘In an Instant’ exhibition, both physical and virtual. Every effort shall be made to maintain quality true to the submitted image, recognizing that the print or electronic medium may affect how the viewer receives the image. Artists shall be recognized for their artwork. The Artist hereby certifies that they hold the copyright for this material and the copyright remains with the Artist. The Artist also certifies that the work submitted is original and does not infringe on any existing copyright. If artwork includes an image of a person, the Artist certifies that a model release for such people has been obtained. Furthermore, if the accepted work differs dramatically from the image submitted, Union Street Gallery reserves the right to return the work to the Artist without hanging the artwork in the exhibition.
ABOUT UNION STREET GALLERY:
Union Street Gallery is equipped to accommodate 2-D and 3-D artworks. Union Street Gallery offers a unique and inspiring space for Artists to display their creations professionally.
Union Street Gallery (along with affiliated members and staff) assumes no financial obligation due to loss or damage.
If needed, the Artist will be responsible for providing frames and unique hanging hardware (French cleats, rare earth magnets, etc.). Additionally, the Artist will be responsible for the pickup of remaining artwork as well as the collection of wrapping and packaging materials during drop off. Please schedule a pick-up time with the Union Street Gallery Director or Coordinator to collect your artwork at least one week after the end of the exhibit. All works that are shipped to Union Street Gallery must provide a return shipping label at the time of drop off or receiving for return shipment and all unsold works will be shipped by Saturday the week following the end of the exhibition. Union Street retains 30% of the profits from each art piece sold during the exhibition. All sold works will be taxed Chicago Heights, Illinois 10% sales tax. Note that Union Street Gallery does not insure exhibit artwork in most cases.
In the event that artwork is not picked up by the Artist or the Artist’s designated representative within a reasonable timeframe after several notices, said artwork will be considered to be a donation to Union Street Gallery. Pickup after this point is not guaranteed. Union Street Gallery may prohibit any content with reasonable justification.
All applicants will receive an email confirmation regarding your acceptance or nonacceptance by January 9th at the absolute latest.
Selected Artists will be required to sign and date a form provided by Union Street Gallery to this effect.
Thank you so much for submitting to this upcoming show! See you soon!
Contact Email: Julian Graham, Gallery Director at Union Street Gallery, director@unionstreetgallery.org
Note: Submission fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Union Street Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all submission fees are considered as donations to the gallery and helps fund exhibits, classes and workshops, maintenance fees, and more. For more information, visit UnionStreetGallery.org