IMPORTANT DATES:
Exhibition dates: November 28, 2026 – January 18, 2027
Submission deadline:  October 30, 2026
Notification of accepted works:  November 2, 2026
Framed Works due at Gallery:  November 19-21, 2026
Opening Reception:  Saturday, November 28 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
Unsold works picked up/returned:  January 21-23, 2027

Juror: Alex Ferrone, Director, Alex Ferrone Gallery

About the Gallery Exhibition: LIGHT & SHADOW: National Juried Small Works Exhibition

LIGHT & SHADOW explores the compelling interplay of illumination with the dark and the way artists use these elements to shape form, create mood, and present dimension.  From dramatic contrast and chiaroscuro to the warmth of golden-hour light, subtle shifts in color, and details concealed or revealed in shadow, this exhibition considers light and shadow as powerful compositional and expressive forces. We are looking for smaller thought-provoking creative works that explore how light can reveal texture and pattern, create atmosphere and emotion, transform familiar subjects, or bring unexpected beauty to everyday scenes. Open to painting, mixed media, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and photography (including analog and digital, black-and-white and color), Light & Shadow welcomes individual interpretations across a wide range of artistic approaches. No AI accepted.

Aspects to consider: Compelling abstract and dramatic realism compositions, tonal range and contrast, light sources, varied vantage points of scene, detailed lines, shades, textures, rich tones, expressive scenes…
Aspects to avoid: Pretty sunrises and sunsets.

This small works national competition is open to artists and photographers 18 years or older from the United States.  All works must be framed in white or natural light wood - MAXIMUM 19 inches on any side framed size including frame (see framing guidelines).  Fifty works will be selected for this physical Gallery exhibition, and fifteen additional works selected for an online exhibition to be looped on a 40-inch Gallery monitor.  

About the Juror: Alex Ferrone
As Founder, Director and Curator of her namesake art Gallery in Cutchogue, New York, Alex Ferrone continues to represent contemporary fine art by a diverse roster of regional, national, and international artists working in various mediums.  As fine art aerial photographer, Alex Ferrone's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States and abroad.  Recognition for her work includes a solo exhibition in Italy in 2025, and grants from New York State Council on the Arts and Inspiration Plus Foundation for one of her environmental photographic projects. Ferrone’s photographs have earned accolades from major international competitions including Budapest International Foto Awards, Julia Margaret Cameron Award, and International Photography Awards, among others, and have been featured in publications include Black & White Magazine, La Toscana Nuova Magazine, Wine Spectator, and Vanity Fair Magazine.  Her photographs are held in private collections in the United States and abroad. 
                                                     
Awards:

•    Fifty works will be selected to participate in our Gallery exhibition, “Light & Shadow” from November 28, 2026 - January 18, 2027.
•    Fifteen additional works will be selected for an online exhibition that will also be looped on a monitor inside the Gallery and posted on the Gallery website.
•    First Place:  $500. 
•    Second Place:  $300.
•    Third Place:  $150.   

Submission Guidelines:

•    NO AI generated works will be accepted.  Small Artworks using various media including photography (analog and digital, black & white and color), photo-based works, mixed media works, painting, drawing, printmaking, and small sculpture depicting our theme will be considered.
•    Entries must not have been previously submitted to, or exhibited at, Alex Ferrone Gallery. 
•    Submission fee is $45 for three works to be considered.  $5 per each additional work up to two.  Maximum 5 works total.  Entry fees are non-refundable and cover expenses.  
•    Payment: credit card only (through SmarterEntry.com).  
•    Submitted work must remain available for the duration of the exhibition from November 28, 2026 through January 18, 2027, and must not be on exhibit or displayed in any other physical venue or online platform for the duration of the exhibition.  Alex Ferrone Gallery retains sales exclusivity of all exhibition works during the exhibition and six months thereafter.
•    No changes to information can be made once submitted.
•    All works must be for sale.  Commissions on works sold: Artist 50%, Alex Ferrone Gallery 50%, net final sale price.  The Gallery has the right to negotiate savings to a buyer from up to 15% of the list price of the piece. 

Framing: Additional and more specific framing and hanging requirements will be emailed to accepted artists. (Please call the Gallery to discuss any unusual framing)

•    Framed works may not exceed 19 inches on any side including frame.  Any pieces exceeding this will not be considered.
•    WHITE or NATURAL Wood or WHITE Nielsen-type flat/matte/brushed metal Frames only:
  o    All Photography must be framed in flat white.  Photographs printed on canvas will not be accepted.
  o    Works on paper and paintings can be framed in either flat white or natural wood or matte metal.
  o    Float / cradle frames are best for paintings and mixed media works on canvas.
•    All accepted works must be framed using braided wire and include frame bumpers, be professionally presented and ready to hang.  For exhibition uniformity, accepted works must be center-weighted in the mat and frame, and framed using Bright WHITE SOLID CORE mats and flat finish WHITE or NATURAL wood or Nielsen-type flat metal frames – (no exceptions, no ornate or glossy frames; no off-white mats, no colored core mats, no double border mats, and no cheap paper mats). 
•    Frames: maximum front profile width up to 1” wide, with glass or high-grade plexi.
•    Sculpture: maximum accepted size 20" H x 13" W including base.

Submission process: 

•    Deadline for online image submission is Friday, October 30 by 11:59pm MST.
•    Electronic images must properly reflect the original artwork.                    
•    Framed works cannot exceed 19” (including frame).
•    Submitted images must be JPEGS sized 2000 pixels on the longest side and must be oriented properly (top of image file is top of artwork). (See image file size compliance with SmarterEntry.com)
•    Each image file should be labeled with the artist’s last name_first name_title.  All info must correspond with your entry form. For example: Smith_John_Trumpet; Smith_John_Drums; Smith_John_Violin, etc.
•    You must include a short statement about the works submitted (written in first person) and a short personal bio (written in third person) with your application.
                                            
Notification: 

Accepted entries will be notified by email and posted on the Gallery’s website by the end of the day November 2.  If you do not receive a notification on this date, please contact the Gallery: Alex Ferrone Gallery ( at ) gmail dot com or 631-734-8545.  Awards will be announced after the exhibition opens and will be mailed to the winners.

Drop off/delivery of accepted works to Gallery:

•    Additional shipping instructions will be sent by email to selected participants.  Shipping all works to and from the Gallery is the responsibility of the artist.
•    Framed works must arrive at the Gallery between November 19-21, 2026, not earlier or later.  Please prepare in advance for shipping arrival times.  Shipments MUST be marked “Signature Required”. Any works shipped to the gallery must have proper return documents, insurance, and pre-paid return labels.  The Gallery will not return ship C.O.D.  
•    Unsold works must be picked up January 21 – 23, 2027.  Unsold works with return documents will ship back at that time.  The Gallery will not hold works past January 24, 2027.  

Agreement:

Entrant certifies that the works they are submitting are original and created by the entrant.  Entry fee does not guarantee acceptance into the exhibition.  It is understood that the utmost professional care will be exercised in the handling of the artwork while in Alex Ferrone Gallery's possession after initial inspection.  Alex Ferrone Gallery assumes no responsibility or liability for damage to, or loss of, any artwork during transit times to or from the Gallery or for damage resulting from flaws inherent in the artworks or materials used, gradual deterioration, acts of God, or acts of war.  Artists are expected to carry insurance on their works.  In the case of neglectful damage, the Gallery covers liability for market value of materials used.  Alex Ferrone Gallery reserves the right to use submitted images and photographs of accepted works for publicity purposes for this exhibition including print, electronic usage, and on social media (images will always be properly credited). Alex Ferrone and Alex Ferrone Gallery will not be held responsible for any unauthorized online sharing or usage of electronic images by any third party.  The Gallery has the right to exclude works that are not suitably prepared or received, or works that do not properly resemble the submitted image.  Entry constitutes an agreement that the artist has read, understands, and accepts all conditions of this exhibition.

About Alex Ferrone Gallery

Since 2013, Alex Ferrone Gallery presents contemporary fine art by regional, national, and international artists. Supporting a diverse roster of artists, the Gallery presents photographic-based art, painting, mixed media works, printmaking, and sculpture.  As the oldest independent art gallery on the North Fork, Alex Ferrone Gallery continually forges a creative connection with the community and visitors with their artists through public programming such as informative Gallery Talks and creative educational workshops. See more here: AlexFerroneGallery.com.

© 2026 Alex Ferrone and Alex Ferrone Gallery.  All Rights Reserved.

Alex Ferrone Gallery    
25425 Main Road, Cutchogue, New York 11935    
631-734-8545    
AlexFerroneGallery.com