What is First Look?
First Look is the annual juried portfolio exhibition held at Panopticon Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts. The exhibition features a wide range of photographic artworks and fine art photography. We will select approximately 5 pieces from a singular body of work from 5 artists to be displayed in our gallery in the heart of Kenmore Square.
First Look is our opportunity to connect with as many artists as possible. Our goal to be introduced to new work for not only this exhibition, but for future group and solo exhibitions at Panopticon Gallery. It is our goal to promote the work from selected artists to help stimulate their careers.
Who can submit work?
We encourage anyone from hobbyists, emerging artists, and seasoned professionals to submit. As long as the work is photographic in origin, we welcome any perspective!
Who juries the show?
The photographs are juried by the small team at Panopticon Gallery: Alexa Cushing and Connor Noll.
How much does it cost to submit?
Submissions cost $40 for up to 10 images from a single body of work. Students are welcome to submit at a discounted rate for $30 for 10 images with the submission of a valid student ID. Multiple submissions from different bodies of work are allowed, but additional submission fee will apply.
How do I submit my work?
We ask that you submit via email to submission@gmail.com with “First Look 2025” in your subject line. Please follow submission info available here.
What Type of work should I submit?
While the show is photographic in essence, we encourage any interpretation of the photographic process or experience. We encourage digital prints, darkroom work, alternative processes, and mixed media interpretations of photography. Take a look through last year’s First Look for an idea of what has be accepted in the past here
When is the submission deadline?
Submissions for First Look are due FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27TH, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. Although will we consider all work submitted by the deadline, we highly encourage submitting early for a chance to have your work shared on our social media.
I am part of a duo or small group looking to submit a collaborative project. Is that accepted?
We welcome collaborative projects. Please include all artists’ names and information while submitting.
When do I need to have my work delivered to the gallery?
All participating artist’s must have their presentation-ready work delivered to the gallery or to our sister company, Panopticon Imaging by January 29th, 2025. Panopticon Imaging will provide free delivery to Panopticon Gallery.
What does it mean that my work has to be “presentation ready?”
We expect all participating artists to ship their work in the condition it will be shown and potentially sold. We ask that all work is up to our professional standards. All work hanging in Panopticon Gallery must have “d-ring” hardware on the back of the frame. Due to the hanging system used at Panopticon Gallery, we cannot hang work with only wire on the back. If your work is being shipped, we must insist that it is framed with plexi glass/acrylic, rather than traditional glass to prevent breakage during shipment.
Looking for assistance preparing your work?
We highly recommend accepted artists use our printing and framing company, Panopticon Imaging. Panopticon Imaging techs will assist with selecting paper type, sizes, and display & framing options. They will also provide complimentary delivery to Panopticon Gallery. All artists using Panopticon Imaging’s services will receive a 20% discount.
Where do I ship my work?
All work should be shipped to:
Panopticon Imaging
540 Union St
Rockland MA 02370
781.740.1300
Where is Panopticon Gallery?
Panopticon Gallery is located in inside of the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Sq, Boston Massachusetts. Our address is 502c Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA 02115. Panopticon Gallery is open to the public 24/7. Due to our space inside of Hotel Commonwealth and our around the clock visiting hours, are able to attract a large quantity of artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, and hotel visitors.
If I sell a piece, how is that split with the gallery?
Panopticon Gallery retains a 50% sales commission from the sale of artworks. We ask that you price your work accordingly.
How much does THIS EXHIBITION cost for visitors?
Because of our unique location inside of Hotel Commonwealth, Panopticon Gallery is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This locations allows us to maximize the visibility of our exhibitions!