11th Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition
July 3 – 26, 2020
Cultural Arts Center - 402 W. Main St - Whitewater, WI 53190
Contact: Jeff McDonald - jeff.mcdonald@gaelicarts.com
Best of Show - Ellen Mecca : "Time"
Youth/Teen - 1st Place : Leo Strand : “Grazing at Dawn”
Youth/Teen - 2nd Place : Crystal Chan : “The Perching Dragonfly”
Youth/Teen - 3rd Place : Leo Strand : “Pumpkins for Lunch”
Youth/Teen - Honorable Mention : Crystal Chan : “The Forlorn Nymph”
Amateur 1st Place - Phyliss Stokes : “Blue Shoes”
Amateur 2nd Place - Christine C. Hayes : “Moroccan Artist”
Amateur 3rd Place :-David Yochum : “Depot #2”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Phyliss Stokes : “Tea Time”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Sandy Ott : “Sunflowers”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Patricia Knox : “Cycling Sister”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Phyliss Stokes : “Three Hands”
Accomplished 1st Place :-Chappy Achen : “Rattlesnake Bluff”
Accomplished 2nd Place - David Bueschel : “White Pigeon”
Accomplished 3rd Place - William Eklund : “Otter Creek”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - Robert Buell : “Remote Church Iceland”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - Everett Long : “Purple-Eared Green Hummingbird”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - Gary Galger : “Linear Reflection”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - William Eklund : “Faithless”
Viewers’ Choice - Phyliss Stokes : “Blue Shoes“
The Show Must Go On!
The Whitewater Arts Alliance is committed to producing the 11th Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition in 2020. However, the uncertainty of current times has brought about some changes in the show’s format.
The show is moving to a virtual, online format. Entry forms, images, and fees will be submitted electronically and all judging will be done from the submitted image files. We still plan to conduct a live show in the gallery, if we are able to re-open it by July. We are hopeful but the timing of when we can re-open the gallery remains uncertain.
Awards will be announced on this website during the show. Unfortunately, even if the gallery has re-opened, we will not be able to hold the opening reception that has been so popular in the past.
Awards will be based on the electronically submitted images. We hope that all of the entrants will choose to display framed prints of their entered work in the gallery show but it is not a requirement in order to be considered for awards. We expect that this will only apply in 2020.
Of special note this year is that there is no entry fee in the Youth/Teen division. That’s right, FREE for Youth/Teen entrants. We are hoping to encourage younger photographers to get involved.
We realize that these are uncertain times and if the entry fees pose a hardship for anyone, please contact us and we will try to line up a sponsor.
On With the Show!
Amateur and professional artists are invited to exhibit their photography at the 11th Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition to be displayed in July.
The 2020 Fran Achen Photography Competition will be an online virtual show featuring all the photos entered. A live in-gallery show will also be held if the Cultural Arts Center Gallery is open in July. It has been temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Jeff McDonald, chair of the show and Whitewater Arts Alliance board member, said, “The Fran Achen show is truly one of the highlights of the year. Fran Achen was an exceptional photographer and his catalog of images continues to inspire. This show, organized in his honor, is an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding work created by both established and aspiring area photographers. I am always excited to see the many ways these artists interpret the world through their images. Viewing each year’s collection is a real treat. ”
Awards
BEST of Show ($100)
Accomplished Division: First ($75), Second ($50), and Third ($25)
Amateur Division: First ($75), Second ($50), and Third ($25)
Youth/Teen Division: First ($25), Second ($15), and Third ($10)
Viewers' Choice ($50)
Some prizes may not be awarded in divisions having fewer than three entries
Key Dates
Entries & Fees Due: Monday, June 22 by 11:59 P.M.
Awards Announcement: Sunday, July 5 (online)
Viewers’ Choice Award Announcement: Sunday, July 26
Photo Drop-Off: To Be Announced, tentatively set for Monday, June 29 from 4:00 - 6:00pm
Photo Pick-Up: To Be Announced, tentatively set for Sunday, July 26 from 3:00 - 5:00pm
Entry Fees
Youth/Teen (ages 18 and under): FREE (up to 3 photos*)
Amateur: $ 25 (up to 3 photos*), $ 10 for each additional
Accomplished: $ 25 (up to 3 photos*), $ 10 for each additional
* Whitewater Arts Alliance members may enter a fourth photo for free
If you would like to enter more than 3 (or 4 forWAA members) please refer to the Expanded options in the online entry form. You may enter up to 5 (6 for WAA members).
Entry Information
Submitted image file format: JPEG; maximum dimensions 1500 pixels x 1500 pixels; maximum file size 2MB. This can be confusing at first and we are happy to help. Please direct questions to jeff.mcdonald@gaelicarts.com or wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Image files for submission may not contain visible watermarks, signatures, or other identifying information. This restriction only applies to the emailed images and is for judging purposes. Prints for the gallery display may be signed, or not, as the artist sees fit.
Image file names should include the photographer’s name and the title of the image as entered in the entry form. For example: “mary-jones-whitewater-rural-scene.jpg”
Images must meet these specifications and be emailed to: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Use of the online entry form is recommended. However, PDF entry forms, available in the Resources section below, may be used instead. Download, print, fill out, enclose payment, and mail to Whitewater Arts Alliance, PO Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190. Entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 22. All images must be emailed as described above.
All entries will be displayed in the virtual online show. Entrants are encouraged to also display their photographs in the gallery show that will be held during the show dates if the gallery has re-opened. Gallery display is optional and will not affect consideration for awards. Please indicate on the entry form if you will be displaying in the gallery.
Photographs to be displayed in the gallery show must be framed and have suitable wire hangers as described below.
Please note minor changes in the eligibility rules for Accomplished/Amateur divisions.
Photographs must be appropriate for viewers of all ages. The Whitewater Arts Alliance Board reserves the right to refrain from displaying images it finds to be inappropriate for the its website or for the Cultural Arts Center gallery.
Rules
Eligibility
Any entrant who has received one or more Best of Show award(s) at Fran Achen shows within the previous five years must enter the Accomplished Division.
Any entrant who has received two or more 1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd Place Amateur Division awards at Fran Achen shows within the previous five years must enter the Accomplished Division.
Professional photographers (those earning consistent income from photography) must enter the Accomplished Division.
Photographs which have been displayed in any show at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery within the 13 months prior to the opening date of this show are not eligible for entry.
Photographs which have received awards in previous Fran Achen Photography Competitions are not eligible for entry.
Each exhibitor may enter up to 3 photographs with the initial fee (listed above). The initial fee covers one, two, or three photos. WAA members may enter a fourth photo for free. Exhibitors may enter up to a maximum of 5 (6 for WAA members) using the Expanded options available in the online entry form.
Restrictions on Techniques
There are no restrictions on camera, physical darkroom, or computer darkroom techniques other than the image must begin as a photograph.
It is requested that those with advanced skills enter the Accomplished Division.
Judges or the show chair, at their discretion, may choose to move an entry to the Accomplished Division if they feel it warranted.
Restrictions on Content
Photographs must be appropriate for viewers of all ages. The Whitewater Arts Alliance Board reserves the right to refrain from displaying images it finds to be inappropriate for its website or for the Cultural Arts Center gallery.
Usage Rights
Artist maintains copyright to their photographs, but grants WAA permission to use the photographs for WAA promotional purposes and to display the photographs on WAA’s website in an online virtual show for up to one year from show's opening date.
Commission on Sales
The WAA Commission Policy for sales applies during the show. The WAA receives 20% of sale from WAA members and 30% of sale from non-members. WAA collects and submits sales taxes.
Physical Dimensions (Apply to Gallery Show)
Definition: Image Size refers to the width and height of the printed image rectangle. It does not include the dimensions of any matting/framing etc. The dimensions of the final finished piece may be larger than the listed maximum size as long as the image itself fits within the defined range. For example, a 16" x 20" image, matted and framed to a final finished size of 22" x 26", would be acceptable.
The minimum image size for Youth/Teen is 5” x 7” (35 square inches).
The minimum image size for Amateur/Accomplished is 8” x 8” (64 square inches).
The maximum image size is 16” x 24” (384 square inches).
Panoramas are acceptable if their size in square inches falls within these limits.
Presentation/Format (Apply to Gallery Show)
Amateur and Accomplished division entries MUST be presented in one of the following ways (see note below):
Photo printed on paper framed under glass or acrylic (matting is optional) with wire hanger on the back.
Photo printed on metal substrate with wire hanger on the back.
Photo printed on canvas media, gallery-wrapped, without glass, with wire hanger on the back.
Entries submitted without wire hangers will not be accepted.
Youth/Teen division entries MUST be presented in one of the following ways:
Any of the formats permitted in the Adult and Accomplished divisions. Wire hangers are required unless matted without frame.
Matted. WAA has free pre-cut mats for 5" x 7" and 8" x 10" images available for Youth/Teen Division entrants upon request. Any request for free mat(s) should be directed to wwartsalliance@gmail.com.
Photo information is to be attached to the back of each entry.
Resources
Fran Achen | 1916 - 2004
The Whitewater Arts Alliance honors Fran Achen's contribution to Whitewater by sponsoring the Annual Fran Achen Photography Competition and Show.
Fran Achen was a longtime Whitewater resident, teacher, and local photographer. He is most remembered for his photographic collection which chronicles the history of Whitewater.
Born in Kenosha in 1916, his interest in photography began after high school. He spent almost two years delivering cars for the Nash automobile factory. "It seemed like such fun to explore America, so that started my interest in photography and geography, which became my major in college," he said.
In 1938, when Fran enrolled at Whitewater State Teachers College, it was the first year enrollment went over one thousand. Fran remembered being the last one to register, making the enrollment that year 1,008 students. While an undergraduate student at the college, he served as a photographer for both the Royal Purple and the former Minneiska yearbook, as well as working as a freelance photographer for the Janesville Gazette, making "a buck a picture" which helped to pay his way through school.
While attending college, Fran met his wife, Lydia. They were married for 55 years and had three children - Chap, Randi, and Jim.
After graduating from college Achen taught social studies for a year before being called up for military service in World War II. Achen served almost four years as the commanding officer of an entirely African American medical unit whose primary duty was to recover wounded soldiers from the front lines. Achen recalled years later that the Rhineland and Central Europe campaign was very successful and remembered crossing the Rhine River just two days after its capture.
When the war was over he pursued his interest in photography by working in a studio in Madison, and later by purchasing a photography studio in downtown Whitewater, where he worked for 11 years.
In 1956, after selling the studio, Achen continued to serve the community as a teacher at Whitewater High School where he taught his favorite subject, geography. He later became assistant audio-visual director for the Janesville school system. Achen retired in 1979. However, he never retired his camera. He continued to photograph the life and events in and around the Whitewater area.
In the 1980s Achen donated nearly 400 custom printed and mounted photographs to the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. The University of Wisconsin - Whitewater also has an extensive collection of Fran's photos. Although his photo taking slowed down in his later years, Achen said he was never afraid to flip the shutter on what he believed could be a lasting memory or a special photograph.
11th Annual (2020) Awards
Best of Show - Ellen Mecca : "Time"
Youth/Teen - 1st Place : Leo Strand : “Grazing at Dawn”
Youth/Teen - 2nd Place : Crystal Chan : “The Perching Dragonfly”
Youth/Teen - 3rd Place : Leo Strand : “Pumpkins for Lunch”
Youth/Teen - Honorable Mention : Crystal Chan : “The Forlorn Nymph”
Amateur 1st Place - Phyliss Stokes : “Blue Shoes”
Amateur 2nd Place - Christine C. Hayes : “Moroccan Artist”
Amateur 3rd Place :-David Yochum : “Depot #2”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Phyliss Stokes : “Tea Time”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Sandy Ott : “Sunflowers”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Patricia Knox : “Cycling Sister”
Amateur Honorable Mention - Phyliss Stokes : “Three Hands”
Accomplished 1st Place :-Chappy Achen : “Rattlesnake Bluff”
Accomplished 2nd Place - David Bueschel : “White Pigeon”
Accomplished 3rd Place - William Eklund : “Otter Creek”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - Robert Buell : “Remote Church Iceland”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - Everett Long : “Purple-Eared Green Hummingbird”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - Gary Galger : “Linear Reflection”
Accomplished Honorable Mention - William Eklund : “Faithless”
Viewers’ Choice - Phyliss Stokes : “Blue Shoes“
10th Annual (2019) Awards
Best of Show : David Bueschel : "Once a Farm"
Accomplished - 1st Place : Gary Galger : "Desolation"
Accomplished - 2nd Place : Karl Mohr : "Freeport Area Farm"
Accomplished - 3rd Place : Cindy Vondran : "Twilight Mill"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : William Eklund : "Dreamline"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : William Eklund : "Mill Race"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : Mary Ellsworth : "Spring Snow"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : Gary Galger : "Geometry"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : James E Meldrum : "The Cosmic Steam Engine"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : Donald Parsons : "Micro Crystals #1"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : Cindy Vondran : "Passing Time"
Amateur - 1st Place : Robert Buell : "Winter Trees"
Amateur - 2nd Place : Rita Carpenter : "Le Vieux"
Amateur - 3rd Place : Melanie Hayes : "Blooming Creek"
Amateur - Honorable Mention : David Bueschel : "Time Was"
Amateur - Honorable Mention : David Bueschel : "Jaguar"
Amateur - Honorable Mention : Ellen Mecca : "Batteries"
Amateur - Honorable Mention : Jason Miklik : "Ektachrome Composition #6"
Youth/Teen - 1st Place : Hogan Alexander : "Foggy Morning"
Youth/Teen - 2nd Place : Hannah Keziah C Agustin : "Downtown"
Youth/Teen - 3rd Place : Cambell Alexander : "Infectious Purple"
Youth/Teen - Honorable Mention : Cambell Alexander : "Raspberry Bloom"
Viewers' Choice: Cindy Vondran : "Twilight Mill"
9th Annual (2018) Awards
Best of Show : Jeff McDonald : "Sturgeon Bay Light"
Accomplished - 1st Place : William Eklund : "Test 4 Echo"
Accomplished - 2nd Place : Mary Ellsworth : "Hen and Chicks"
Accomplished - 3rd Place : Karl Mohr : "American Homestead"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : Everett Long : "Snowy Egret in Breeding Plumage"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : James J Marsala : "Wheels of Change"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention : David Throgmartin : "Great Horned Owl"
Amateur - 1st Place : Joseph Suchy : "Fire and Ice"
Amateur - 2nd Place : Sandy Ott : "Barn Ghost"
Amateur - 3rd Place : Robert Buell : "Winter Scene - Bark River"
Amateur - Honorable Mention : Robert Buell : "The Forest Floor"
Amateur - Honorable Mention : Signe Trewyn : "Morning's Work"
Youth/Teen - 1st Place : Cambell Alexander : "Resting Butterfly"
Youth/Teen - 2nd Place : Morgan Janovec : "Scintillam"
Youth/Teen - 3rd Place : Linnea Tabaka : "On the Web"
Viewers' Choice: Melanie Hayes : "Fall in the U.P."
8th Annual (2017) Awards
Best of Show: Jeff McDonald : "Touch the Sky"
Accomplished - 1st Place : Everett Long : "Pelican and Patterns"
Accomplished - 2nd Place : James Meldrum : "Solitary"
Accomplished - 3rd Place : Heather Browning : "Abandoned Ship"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: William Eklund : "See Both Sides"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: Jim Marsala : "End of Summer"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: Jeff McDonald : "River Walk"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: James Meldrum : "Winter Calm"
Amateur - 1st Place : Robert Buell : "Autumn in Vermont"
Amateur - 2nd Place : Sylvia Linton : "Milkweed in Flight"
Amateur - 3rd Place : Jessica Osorio : "Dancing in the Violets"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Robert Buell : "Fall Sumac"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Rhonda Kolander : Maddona and Child"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Sandy Ott : "Gracie"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Johnathon Stutzman : "Camouflaged Owl"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Judy Wildermuth : "End of Day"
Youth/Teen - 1st Place : Aydon Clikeman : "Glacier"
Youth/Teen - 2nd Place : Aydon Clikeman : "Songbird"
Youth/Teen - 3rd Place : Aydon Clikeman : "Jenna"
Viewers' Choice: William Eklund : "The Woodshed"
7th Annual (2016) Awards
Best of Show: William Eklund : "Dawn of Days Gone By"
Accomplished - 1st Place : Jeff McDonald : "Wooded Prairie in Winter"
Accomplished - 2nd Place : Mary Ellsworth : "Solomon's Seal"
Accomplished - 3rd Place : Alan Smith : "Golfers Dream"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: Ryan Ebert : "Shake it Off"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: Shelley Fox : "Autumn Masquerade"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: Everett Long : "Walk into Fall"
Accomplished - Honorable Mention: Terry Mayer : "Undisturbed Tranquility"
Amateur - 1st Place : Patricia Ehlers Ogren : "Bedroom in Hot Weather"
Amateur - 2nd Place : Robert Buell : "Lilies"
Amateur - 3rd Place : David Yochum : "Generations"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Dolores Engel : "Magnolia"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: David Flemming : "Port Wen"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Debra Hall : "Snowbirds"
Amateur - Honorable Mention: Judy Wildermuth : "Fresh from the Rain"
Youth/Teen - 1st Place : Aydon Clikeman : "Emma"
Youth/Teen - 2nd Place : Aydon Clikeman : Reflect
Youth/Teen - 3rd Place : Hogan Alexander : In the Coffee Shop
Youth/Teen - Honorable Mention: Cambell Alexander : "Don't Look Down"
Youth/Teen - Honorable Mention: Julia Long : "His Royal Highness"
Viewers' Choice: Aydon Clikeman : "Emma"