RE-LIT

Exhibition

Juried exhibition celebrating the resurgence of downtown small-city vitality and quality-of-life. 

Good art is often determined by a decisive moment, that singular moment, when the many diverse parts of a  composition coalesce into a unified whole. It is the moment when the photographer organizes the elements of the image — its structure, motion, light, gesture, shifting light, a fleeting expression — and captures it in perfect equilibrium. Good aesthetics is the same. It’s about the whole when all the details work together to create an elegant dance of beauty. 

Join Downtown Janesville BID for this art exhibition at the Rock County Historical Society from September 8 through October 29. Over 100 pieces were submitted by talented photographers, videographers, and new digital media artists. 30 works were chosen by juror James Elaine to be part of the exhibition showing from September 8 through October 29. Come see the exhibition and vote for the “People’s Choice Award”. This cash prize will be awarded to the most voted piece by you, the viewers.

Sponsored by Downtown Janesville BID 
in collaboration with: 
Rock County Historical Society
Lincoln Tallman House
Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Art Infusion

Timeline

Online Submissions Open: June 30 
Emailed Submissions Accepted (bid@downtownjanesville.com): July 5 – August 10
Submission DEADLINE: August 15 Extended to August 18 at midnight
Juror’s Selection Announced: August 24
Receiving deadline for shipped work: September 1
Selected works delivered to Janesville, WI: September 2
Artist Reception: September 8
RE-LIT Exhibition: Sept 8 – Oct 29

Awards

Juror’s Award
$1,000 – Bus Stop, Evan Fergusen
$500 – We Built This City, Frank Juarez

People’s Choice Award – $500
Bus Stop, Evan Fergusen

Purchase Award – $500
Jewel of Janesville, Nicodemas Nimmo

Juror

James Elaine brings a wealth of experience and expertise as the official juror to the exhibition. From 1989 to 1999, he served as the curator for the Drawing Center in New York, and subsequently took on the role of curator at the prestigious Hammer Museum in Los Angeles from 1999 to 2009, further solidifying his influence in the contemporary art scene. In 2012, James founded Telescope, a nonprofit project space in Beijing.

As an artist himself, James’ work has been showcased in prominent film festivals, museums, and galleries worldwide. His solo exhibitions, held at renowned venues such as The New Museum in New York, Sideshow Gallery in Brooklyn, and Dana Reich Gallery in San Francisco have captivated audiences with their creativity and thought-provoking concepts.

James’ family roots in a small town have given him a unique perspective and an understanding of the sensitivities of communities like Janesville. His willingness to be part of RE-LIT and Art Infusion reflects his commitment to fostering the growth of art and culture in local communities.

Gallery