submit for our 2025 photo exhibit!

The Grand Prairie Bird Alliance is hosting a Bird Photography Exhibition at the Bloomington Public Library, and we want your submissions! All entries will be juried by Doug Johnson of the McLean County Art Center, and proceeds will help to support local bird conservation and events.

Rules:

1. You must be a current Grand Prairie Bird Alliance member. If you are not a member, please join us and gain eligibility by clicking here.

2. All submitted images must have been taken by the photographer in Central Illinois.

3. Entries may be taken from any type of camera or lens and may be edited using standard processing

   techniques; however, photographs should present the bird as seen in nature and not overly processed.

4. All images must be submitted and fees paid (non-refundable) by Friday, September 5 at 10:00 p.m. CST. The instructions on how to submit photos are in #7 below. The entry fees are paid through the links at the bottom of the page. The cost is 1 photo for $5 or 3 for $10.

5. No more than 6 images may be submitted from a single photographer. Of the 6, a maximum of 4 entries may be selected for the exhibit per photographer.

6. Name each of your electronic files individually, and each must be named according to the

   following and separated with an ‘_’ underscore with no spaces or special characters or punctuation like

   apostrophes, etc.

   - Image number [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6]

   - Title of photograph

   - Photographer’s initials (including middle)

   File name example:

   1_Indigo Bunting_BTB.jpg

7. Files should be submitted via email to grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.

8. Upon acceptance, framed photographs in accordance with the framing guidelines below (see ‘Framing Guidelines’) must be delivered to the Bloomington Public Library by October 14, 2025 at 3 p.m. The exhibit will run through December 12.

Jurying

All entries will be juried anonymously by professional artist and photographer Doug Johnson, Executive Director of the McLean County Art Center. A total of 24-30 photographs will be selected for exhibition.

Notice of acceptance will be sent by September 9, 2025.

Framing Guidelines

All selected entries must be framed and matted to be hung in the exhibit. A black frame is required, and can be no more than 1.5” wide. White matting is also required and can be from 1.5” to 3” wide. Outside dimensions of the frame cannot exceed 16”x20” and must NOT be less than 11”x14”. All prints must be delivered in ready-to-hang condition using wire and eyelets. The top of the wire must be at least 2” below the top of the frame so that it does not show.

The use of matting should enhance your entries and not distract from the framed image. Acrylic is preferred but glass will be accepted.

Michael’s, Jeffrey Allen, and Hobby Lobby are local stores that have supplies or that can frame for you.

Photographers may be shown as “For Sale” or “Not for Sale.” A commission on all photo sales will be shared between the Bloomington Public Library Foundation and Grand Prairie Bird Alliance.

Exhibition Times:

• Exhibit Duration: October 16 - December 12, 2025

• Opening Reception: October 23, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• Exhibition Closes/Take Down: December 13, 2025

Pickup:

The photographer or designated person may pick up the photo(s) after December 13 at the Bloomington Public Library from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Photo ID will be required. Framed images will be available at the Bloomington Public Library between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

No early pickups will be permitted.

If you have any questions, please contact us at grandprairiebirdalliance@gmail.com.