The Annual National Juried Photography Show (free) & dinner after at Inka Grill

Welcome to First Friday at the Galleries
Featuring 66 selected works by photographers from across the nation

Join us on September 4th at 5:00 PM at the Academy Center of the Arts as we celebrate the opening of the Annual National Juried Photography Exhibition, a dynamic collection showcasing 66 photographs selected for their creativity, perspective, and visual impact. From landscapes and portraits to documentary imagery and explorations of light, form, and storytelling, this exhibition highlights the many ways photographers capture the world around us.

About the Exhibition
This year’s exhibition brings together a diverse group of photographers from across the country, offering a wide-ranging look at contemporary photographic practice. Each selected work reflects a distinct artistic voice, inviting viewers to consider new perspectives, discover compelling stories, and see familiar subjects in unexpected ways.

The exhibition was juried by Kiera Hight, an Asheville-based photographer and filmmaker whose work explores memory, perception, storytelling, and social issues. With a background in editorial and documentary photography, Hight brings a thoughtful and distinctive perspective to this year’s selections.

Juror Talk & Awards
The Juror Talk and Awards Presentation begins at 6:00 PM. Kiera Hight will share insight into her selections and recognize this year’s award-winning artists, offering a closer look at the ideas and qualities that stood out throughout the jurying process.