Details

Fine Art Photography Exhibition

On view: December 9, 2025 – January 22, 2026
Artist Reception: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 PM

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The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center invites the public to its inaugural Fine Art Photography Exhibition

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC) is proud to present its inaugural Fine Art Photography Exhibition, a juried showcase celebrating the creativity and talent of photographers from across our region. On display from December 9, 2025, to January 22, 2026, this dynamic exhibition highlights the breadth and diversity of contemporary fine art photography, featuring work across a range of curated categories: Abstract, People, Nature, Mixed Media, Urban, and Wildlife/Animal/Pet.

Juror Tim Fitzwater will select a Best of Show, as well as a Best of Category and up to two Honorable Mentions for each of the six categories. With $1,300 in cash prizes awarded, this exhibition is a testament to the skill and creativity within our vibrant arts community.

In addition to the juror’s selections, visitors are invited to participate in the People’s Choice Awards, by casting a vote for their favorite pieces. Voting is free and runs throughout the exhibition, with the winners announced during the Artists’ Reception.

Join us for a celebratory Artists Reception on January 16, 2026, from 5:30 – 7 pm, where we will announce the People’s Choice winners and honor all award recipients. This free event is open to the public and offers the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and perhaps even take home an inspiring piece of art.

This exhibition was established in memory of Jonathan Donald Kuhns*, whose passion for photography and visual storytelling continues to inspire. With the generous support of his mother, Louise Miller Harvey, this exhibition serves as a tribute to Jonathan’s legacy, while uplifting the voices of today’s practicing photographers.

Join us in honoring Jonathan’s legacy and supporting the vibrant and ever-evolving photography community through this meaningful and inspiring juried exhibition.

*This exhibition was established in memory of Jonathan Donald Kuhns, through the generous support of the Jonathan Donald Kuhns Memorial Fund, a donor-advised fund at Akron Community Foundation.

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Juror: Tim Fitzwater

• Visit Tim Fitzwater’s website: www.fitzwatercycles.com

 

 

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Featured Artists:

Justin Brewbaker of Clinton, OH	Marina Neyman of Solon, OH
Anita Burgess of Akron, OH	Robert Palinkas of Avon Lake, OH
Bob Christy of North Canton, OH	Don Parsisson of Akron, OH
Katherine Daiker of Sagamore Hills, OH	Samara Peddle of Akron, OH
Donald Davis of Cuyahoga Falls, OH	Barbara L. Pennington of Boston Heights, OH
Andrea Dawson of Moreland Hills, OH	Donald E. Peoples of Akron, OH
Cathy Clerk Dully of Northfield, OH	Kelly Reed of Wadsworth, OH
Kayla Figueroa of Akron, OH	Renney Renée of Cleveland, OH
Wendy Hess of Akron, OH	Andriy Rochnyak of Akron, OH
Jack Hickson of Barberton, OH	Mosijah Roye of Cleveland Heights, OH
Sue Holick-Bade of Parma, OH	Gustavo Roldan Toci of Akron, OH
Mary Lou Holly of Kent, OH	Robert Tompkins of Medina, OH
Bryan Howdyshell of Akron, OH	Rachel Toth of Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Drew Kahn of Peninsula, OH	Sarah Treanor of Akron, OH
Lisa T. Kindleburg of Akron, OH	Richard Ulanowski of Stow, OH
Susan Lash of Chagrin Falls, OH	Eddie Valle of Akron, OH
Aggie Maas of Copley, OH	Darlene VerSluys of Akron, OH
Michael Magdinec of Broadview Heights, OH	David Whited of Silver Lake, OH
Andrea L. Maurice of Stow, OH	Keith Wisdom of Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Ryan Mayle of Galloway, OH	Kellie Wolke of Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Hannah Mayle of Galloway, OH	Pollock Youngpole of Akron, OH
Rebecca Arko Moore of Cuyahoga Falls, OH	Steven Zakem of Hiram, OH
Jeff Newhouse of Akron, OH

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People’s Choice: (TBA)

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Juror Awards: Fine Art Photography Juror Awards – 2025

BEST OF SHOW
BEST OF SHOW Gustavo Roldan Toci Guardian of the Night Nature $250	“As mentioned the color and composition – but on top of that how much this image stood out and felt powerful even in a smallish print.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
MEDIA: Works where photography is the foundation but is enhanced with additional mediums such as painting, collage, drawing, or other hand-applied techniques. The photograph should remain the dominant element.
HONORABLE MENTION Sarah Treanor Rising Sun Mixed Media $2,200	“It’s very cool the way the 3D, sculptural elements frame the photo, but also make it a more complete and coherent image overall.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
BEST OF CATEGORY Anita Burgess The Breath of Autumn’s Flame Mixed Media $250	“The way the unique painterly feel of the image works so well with the colors and shapes, and even a slight sense of wind or motion, is why I chose this piece.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
WILDLIFE/ANIMAL/PET: Photography featuring animals as the primary subject—whether in the wild, in human care, or as beloved pets. This category includes wildlife photography, animal portraiture, and images that reflect the personality, behavior, or beauty of animal subjects in both natural and domestic settings.
HONORABLE MENTION Sarah Treanor Soundless Cycles Wildlife $400	“A very interesting take on the category for animals – an unexpected box of ‘treasures’.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
BEST OF CATEGORY Ryan Mayle In His Element Wildlife $120	“Fantastic light and composition in a very classic scene/photograph.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
URBAN: Photography that captures the character and energy of urban environments. This includes architecture, street scenes, public spaces, cityscapes, infrastructure, or candid moments of everyday life within a built environment. Works may explore themes of movement, structure, culture, or human presence in urban spaces.
HONORABLE MENTION Marina Neyman Venice Urban $350	“A very cool shallow depth image that brings a neat perspective to an often photographed location.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
HONORABLE MENTION Kayla Figueroa In Memory Urban NFS	“A somewhat common Rust Belt scene but shot at a time of day that makes the mundane look eye-catching.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
BEST OF CATEGORY Robert Palinkas Buildings Convergence Urban $300	“Brutalist architecture and black and white photography just go hand in hand. Excellent lines and perspective.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
NATURE: Photography focused on the natural world, including landscapes, plants, and close-up details of organic textures and environments.
HONORABLE MENTION Andrea Dawson Airborne IV Nature $350	“There is so much texture in this image which works perfectly with black and white.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
HONORABLE MENTION Richard Ulanowski Sunrise Through a Tree at Cades Cove Nature $60	“Great landscape photography is about getting to the right place at the right time – and this nails that.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
BEST OF CATEGORY Gustavo Roldan Toci Guardian of the Night Nature $250	“A beautiful long exposure with a wonderful color palette and fantastic framing. It drew me in instantly.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
PEOPLE: Portraiture and photography in which people are the primary subject. This can include posed or candid imagery, capturing personality, emotion, or human interaction.
HONORABLE MENTION Anita Burgess The Calm Beneath Her Flame People $250	“Great colors, light and pose but I also enjoy the “filmic,” vintage magazine style of the print.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
BEST OF CATEGORY Sarah Treanor Hope People $1,650	“This is one of those images where each viewer can bring their own interpretation to the photo. Also technically a great photograph and print.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
ABSTRACT: Non-objective, experimental, or conceptual photography that creates a visual image not immediately associated with the physical world. Emphasis is placed on form, color, movement, and composition.
HONORABLE MENTION Susan Lash Untamed Abstract $150	“Taking a seemingly recognizable scene but turning it into more of a feeling – with great color.” – Tim Fitzwater, Juror
BEST OF CATEGORY Katherine Daiker Spellfires Abstract $150	“This image just simply jumps off the wall. A certain “Je ne sais quoi” as the French would say.”   – Tim Fitzwater, Juror

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Accepted Submissions: Fine Art Photography Exhibition – 2025 Accepted Submissions PDF

Full Name	CITY, STATE	Title	Category	Price
Katherine Daiker	SAGAMORE HILLS, OH	Spellfires	Abstract	$150
Susan Lash	CHAGRIN FALLS, OH	Untamed	Abstract	$150
Andrea L. Maurice	STOW, OH	Ice Bubbles	Abstract	$44
Marina Neyman	SOLON, OH	Ripples of Colors	Abstract	$350
Darlene VerSluys	AKRON, OH	Bubbles	Abstract	$275
Anita Burgess	AKRON, OH	The Breath of Autumn’s Flame	Mixed Media	$250
Sarah Treanor	AKRON, OH	Rising Sun	Mixed Media	$2,200
Keith Wisdom	CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH	Red Hill Sky	Mixed Media	$550
Justin Brewbaker	CLINTON, OH	Oval Beach	Nature	$300
Justin Brewbaker	CLINTON, OH	Moon Over Nevada	Nature	NFS
Anita Burgess	AKRON, OH	Murmur of the Marsh	Nature	$250
Andrea Dawson	MORELAND HILLS, OH	Airborne IV	Nature	$350
Jack Hickson	BARBERTON, OH	Chugach Morning Light	Nature	$95
Jack Hickson	BARBERTON, OH	Chugach September	Nature	$95
Jack Hickson	BARBERTON, OH	Potter’s Bridge	Nature	$95
Sue Holick-Bade	PARMA, OH	Brave Little One	Nature	$145
Sue Holick-Bade	PARMA, OH	Lake Louise	Nature	$150
Bryan Howdyshell	AKRON, OH	Reflections of Fall	Nature	$60
Drew Kahn	PENINSULA, OH	Luna’s Dance of the Seven Veils	Nature	$250
Susan Lash	CHAGRIN FALLS, OH	Yesterday	Nature	$285
Aggie Maas	COPLEY, OH	Hidden Beach	Nature	$50
Aggie Maas	COPLEY, OH	Follow Your Path	Nature	$50
Michael Magdinec	BROADVIEW HTS., OH	Embers Under the Dipper	Nature	NFS
Ryan Mayle	GALLOWAY, OH	Morning Glory	Nature	$120
Hannah Mayle	GALLOWAY, OH	Turtle Against the World	Nature	$175
Hannah Mayle	GALLOWAY, OH	In Conversation with the Moon	Nature	$120
Jeff Newhouse	AKRON, OH	Twisted Wood – Grand Canyon	Nature	$150
Jeff Newhouse	AKRON, OH	El Capitan	Nature	$150
Barbara L. Pennington	BOSTON HEIGHTS, OH	Whispers of the Red Behind the Rain	Nature	$350
Kelly Reed	WADSWORTH, OH	We Were Here	Nature	$80
Kelly Reed	WADSWORTH, OH	Foggy Morning	Nature	$75
Renney Renée	CLEVELAND, OH	Reflections	Nature	$140
Andriy Rochnyak	AKRON, OH	Golden Silence	Nature	NFS
Gustavo Roldan Toci	AKRON, OH	Guardian of the Night	Nature	$250
Gustavo Roldan Toci	AKRON, OH	Heaven’s Compass	Nature	$250
Robert Tompkins	MEDINA, OH	Cuddle Tree	Nature	$125
Rachel Toth	CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH	Horseshoe Bend	Nature	$200
Richard Ulanowski	STOW, OH	Sunrise Through a Tree at Cades Cove	Nature	$60
Richard Ulanowski	STOW, OH	Winter in Cuyahoga Valley National Park	Nature	$60
David Whited	SILVER LAKE, OH	Lands End, Cabo, Mexico	Nature	$200
Pollock Youngpole	AKRON, OH	Floating in Stillness	Nature	$200
Steven Zakem	HIRAM, OH	Southern Andes, Argentina	Nature	NFS
Anita Burgess	AKRON, OH	The Calm Beneath Her Flame	People	$250
Wendy Hess	AKRON, OH	Cigar Lady, Havana	People	$200
Sue Holick-Bade	PARMA, OH	Untitled	People	NFS
Mary Lou Holly	KENT, OH	Looking for Treasure	People	$220
Robert Palinkas	AVON LAKE, OH	Take My Picture	People	$200
Samara Peddle	AKRON, OH	Shh…	People	$350
Barbara L. Pennington	BOSTON HEIGHTS, OH	Sara Lost in Memories	People	NFS
Mosijah Roye	CLEVELAND HTS., OH	Dream and Smile	People	NFS
Sarah Treanor	AKRON, OH	Hope	People	$1,650
Kellie Wolke	CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH	Ohio Swiss Festival, September 2025	People	$200
Bob Christy	NORTH CANTON, OH	Window Gazing	Urban	$200
Bob Christy	NORTH CANTON, OH	Belize Boy	Urban	$200
Bob Christy	NORTH CANTON, OH	St. Paul Scene	Urban	$200
Donald Davis	CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH	Pittsburgh Market Square	Urban	NFS
Kayla Figueroa	AKRON, OH	Vacant II	Urban	NFS
Kayla Figueroa	AKRON, OH	In Memory	Urban	NFS
Wendy Hess	AKRON, OH	Havana Alley	Urban	$75
Lisa T. Kindleburg	AKRON, OH	Al Fresco in Berlin	Urban	$100
Susan Lash	CHAGRIN FALLS, OH	Timeless	Urban	$295
Rebecca Arko Moore	CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH	Staircase/Bodie Island Lighthouse	Urban	$130
Jeff Newhouse	AKRON, OH	The Phipps	Urban	$150
Marina Neyman	SOLON, OH	Architectural Symmetry	Urban	$350
Marina Neyman	SOLON, OH	Venice	Urban	$350
Robert Palinkas	AVON LAKE, OH	Buildings Convergence	Urban	$300
Don Parsisson	AKRON, OH	City in the Clouds	Urban	$150
Samara Peddle	AKRON, OH	Seattle Lines	Urban	$250
Donald E. Peoples	AKRON, OH	Manhattan Evening	Urban	$500
Renney Renée	CLEVELAND, OH	Morning Light	Urban	$120
Cathy Clerk Dully	NORTHFIELD, OH	Winter Sun	Wildlife	$65
Ryan Mayle	GALLOWAY, OH	In His Element	Wildlife	$120
Ryan Mayle	GALLOWAY, OH	Sacred	Wildlife	$120
Gustavo Roldan Toci	AKRON, OH	Deep Thoughts	Wildlife	$250
Sarah Treanor	AKRON, OH	Soundless Cycles	Wildlife	$400
Eddie Valle	AKRON, OH	The Tiger Stare	Wildlife	$200
David Whited	SILVER LAKE, OH	Roseate Spoonbill	Wildlife	$200