call for art
submit your work for our next exhibition in the Helme house gallery.
Open Juried Photography Annual
March 19 - April 11, 2026
Drop-off March 11 - 15 from 1-5 pm
Opening Reception!
Thursday, March 19, from 6-8pm
Awards Presentation at 7pm
The exhibition will open to the public, come bring your family and friends.
Carrie Usmar is Rhode Island based visual artist whose practice re-examines the family album. Utilizing a documentary approach, Usmar explores the complexity of womanhood and the tension and ambivalence within domesticity. Her narrative projects are devoted to highlighting the psychological and unseen, the isolation and challenges of motherhood, and the humorous and poignant moments of raising a family.
Usmar received a BFA from University of Rhode Island with a focus in photography and filmmaking. She has exhibited at numerous institutions across the U.S., including Rhode Island Center For Photographic Arts, Newport Art Museum, The Griffin Museum, Hera Gallery, Waterfire Arts Center and The Curated Fridge. Her work has been published in The New Republic, Lenscratch and The Luupe. She was selected for a residency at Garrett On The Green in upstate NY and was invited to attend the Eddie Adams Workshop XXXVI. Usmar is also a top 200 finalist for 2022 Critical Mass.
exhibit submission guidelines
submission eligibility
Open to all artists.
Submit up to 3 original works in any photography/lens based media.
see also SCAA submission procedure and artwork requirements below for additional guidance.
important dates
Delivery Dates
Hand-deliver artwork to SCAA
March 11–15 | 1–5 pm daily
Pick-Up Dates
Artwork not accepted:
Wed–Sun, 1–5 pm starting March 18
Accepted work:
Sunday, April 12, 1–5 pm
opening & awards
Opening Reception
Thursday, March 19 | 6–8 pm
Awards announced during the reception
First Place: $200
Second Place: $125
Third Place: $75
3 Honorable Mentions
exhibit general policy & procedure
SCAA artwork requirements
Work must be completed within the last 2 years and not previously shown in an SCAA juried exhibition.
Framing & Presentation
All work must be wired and ready to hang. No single measurement may exceed 48 inches. Sculptural work must be easily transportable.
Only original works in conception and execution. AI-generated or AI-assisted works are not eligible.
Artwork must not violate copyright laws.
One entry form per artwork should be filled out in person at drop off. Include title/untitled, medium, price or NFS along with your contact information.
Each piece receives an entry number — keep this for reference so you can check if your piece(s) got selected on the Exhibit Results page.
SCAA submission policy & procedure
Open Exhibit
Open to all members and non-members. The Members Annual Exhibit and Members Invitational Exhibits require SCAA membership.
Juried Exhibits
Indicates that the work for the show will be selected by a juror. Awards are also made by the juror.
Entry Fees(Non-refundable)
Members: $20, 1 entry, ($15 each for multiple entries up to 3)
Non-Members: $25, 1 entry, ($20 each for multiple entries up to 3)
Students / Military Veterans: $12 per entry (with valid ID)
In-person submission only on designated drop-off dates.
Sales Commission
SCAA retains 30% on member sales | 35% on non-member sales.
have questions about submission guidelines?
join our community and enjoy all the member benefits, including discounts on classes, entry fees and more.
I love the community that SCAA has created for local artists. The classes offered, and the instructors teaching the classes are simply amazing. While I enjoy the ease of having a small studio with a wheel and kiln in my home, I very much miss the community and camaraderie provided by being a pottery studio member at SCAA..
—Laura Rotelli, 2025
