2026SPEExhibitions

2026 SPE Members Exhibtion
Exhibition Dates: March 16-April 3, 2026
Opening Reception: March 19, 2026; 6:30pm-9:00pm
Savannah College of Art and Design
Atlanta, Georgia
Juried by: Maria Kelly, Assistant Curator, The High Museum of Art

"This theme for this year's Society for Photographic Education annual conference, Catalyst for Exchange, is an ideal one when considering submissions for a juried exhibition. Broad and flexible in its interpretation, it also emphasizes the active role photography can take in sharing histories and points of view, which creates moments for contemplation and dialogue. Of the approximately 250 submitted images, it was a tough endeavor to narrow the selection down to the 35 works on view here. 
The pieces are varied in their approach and style, but a few throughlines emerged that act as catalysts for exchange; many of the artists seek to offer connection or contrast through works that examine personal and social histories, document changing landscapes, or employ alternative processes. Images from personal and family archives explore methods of conveying stories and memorializing moments in time to make public the personal and intimate. A number of artworks in the exhibition emphasize tactility and touch through acts such as carefully translating photographs to fabric, delicately lifting emulsion, or by picturing hands. A sense of care and concern is made visceral through these works. Other artists documented natural and manmade environments, at times focusing on spaces that may be familiar but are in the process of grappling with impending change. We see a world we know, one we do not, and perhaps glimpse a future ahead. 
It was an honor to jury this year's exhibition. I hope the works on view can provide fresh associations and offer meaningful resonances both within the conference and with the medium at large." - Maria Kelly

This exhibtion is generously supported and hosted by SCAD.

Participating Artists: 

Mafahsa Alafar
Fillipo Barbero
Mona Bozorgi
Ellen Carey
Kelsey Gossett Dennis
Margo Duvall
Jesse Egner
Dominique Ellis
David Johnson
Eric Kunsman
Jake Leslie
Adam Long
Celestia Morgan
Deborah Orloff
Frank Hamrick
David Johnson
Vance Gelbert
Jennifer Ray
Jason Reblando
Julian Rico
Cintia Segovia Figueroa
Emily Wiethorn
Franaza Akhtar
Batbyamba Batbayar
Jingyin Che
Marcus Xavier Chormicle
Samanta Correa
Beihua Guo
Tanya Habjouqa
Alexis Hagestad
Evelyn Kennedy
Alexis Nabor
Taylor Starr

Alexis Nabor, Prayer

2026 Combined Caucus Exhibition

Dates: March 16-April 3,2026
Opening Reception: March 19, 2026
Savannnah College of Art and Design
Atlanta, Georgia
Juried by: Kelli Connell

"The Society for Photographic Education has chosen this year's conference theme:

CATALYST FOR EXCHANGE, citing that "By capturing and sharing stories through images, we create opportunities to engage with others, foster understanding, and address the most pressing issues of our time." Using this quote from the conference catalog as a guide, I set to the task as this year's juror for the SPE Combined Caucus Exhibition. Poring over hundreds of entries, I was struck by the breadth and depth of the submissions as well as the fact that each entry was a mirror into the world in which we live: a complicated and difficult time where art is desperately needed.

A friend of mine and I were recently talking about how the act of giving attention is an act of devotion. And, as we were chatting, I was reminded by a similar phrase that my former mentor Susan kae Grant used to tell us: put your attention on your intention. As artists, we are living in a time when our attention is being pulled by social media, news outlets and endless information loops. We find ourselves bombarded by images and scrolling mindlessly through feeds, almost as if we are sifting through a wave to find that one spark of inspiration that will offer us something – a respite, a call to action, a thrill or a hope that will feed our spirits.

Being a member of the Society for Photographic Education offers community, life- long friendships and opportunities to be inspired by and learn from the work of others. Serving as the juror for this year's Combined Caucus Exhibition was a rewarding experience and it is my hope that the selection offered will give you that lift of inspiration, that respite, that call to action, that we desire, and that the exhibition itself offers a space to talk about and exchange ideas." - Kelli Connell

This exhibtion is generously supported and hosted by SCAD.

Particpating Artists:

Sammie Correa
Mark Almanza
Rachel Jump
Jamie Ho
Peter Hiatt
Savannah Calhoun
Alexander Diaz
Ashley Moog Bowlesby
Seder Burns
Maryam (Nilu) Ghasempour Siahgaldesh
Vahid Valikhani
Christopher Schneberger
Mariette Pathy Allen
Oliva Bull
Deborah Orloff
Editha Mesina
Noelle McCleaf
Haohao Huang
Ally Christmas
Amanda Dahlgren
Katharine Norton
Abbey Hepner
Amy Davis
Grettei Cortes
Elan Schawartz
Cintia Segovia Figueroa
Gina Dabrowski
Joshua Morky
Tryst Red
Amanda Music
Nichola Simko
Toni Pitts
Ginger Gore Russell

Jamie Ho, Posing with "Oriental Lilies"