Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents the 16th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition
July 5–27, 2025 | Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI

Whitewater, WI – The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) proudly presents the 16th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition, continuing a tradition that honors the legacy of local photographer and educator Fran Achen. This year’s exhibition features both traditional gallery display of photographs from the Print Division, together with projected photographs from the new Digital Division. Online web galleries will display all images from both divisions during the run of the exhibit at whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2025.

Works by fifty-seven photographic artists from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Florida were selected from a much larger submission field by an experienced jury panel. Over 200 photographs will be on display at the Cultural Arts Center in Whitewater – about 100 on the gallery walls and another 100 or so using projection systems in the gallery.

The public is invited to a special reception, featuring a gallery talk and awards presentation, on Sunday, July 6, from 1 pm–3 pm. Many of the artists will be on-hand for the reception which will make it an excellent opportunity to meet them, enjoy refreshments, and explore the exhibit in an informal, friendly atmosphere where all are welcome.

While the awards presented at the reception will have been awarded by the jury panel, the public is also asked to weigh-in. The Print Viewer’s Choice Award is chosen by in-gallery voting. The Print People’s Choice and Digital People’s Choice Awards are chosen by public online voting. Voting for these awards continues throughout the run of the exhibit and the awards are announced on the last day of the exhibit.

Jeff McDonald, President of the Whitewater Arts Alliance and longtime chair of the Achen exhibit, shared: “The Fran Achen Exhibition continues to evolve in exciting ways, but its heart remains the same—celebrating the power of photography to connect, inspire, and reflect our shared experiences. It’s been a privilege to help nurture this event and witness the incredible talent it draws year after year.”

To mark the closing of the exhibition, WAA welcomes a special live performance by Pieces of Eight, a semiprofessional summer woodwind octet, on Sunday, July 27. Featuring musicians from southern Wisconsin, the ensemble will perform selections by Mozart, Hidas, Kalinnikov, and a newly commissioned work by Wisconsin composer Brian Packham. A suggested goodwill donation of $10 is appreciated.

Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12-4 pm
Fridays: 12-4 pm
Saturdays: 12-4 pm
Sundays: 12-4 pm
Note: The gallery is closed outside of Gallery Exhibit Hours except for special events.

Come celebrate the creativity, community, and enduring impact of the arts in Whitewater.

For more information, please contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance

“20 Years of Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”