Summer Showcase at POP Studio
We believe great art deserves more than a scroll—it deserves to be seen, experienced, and shared. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our first Summer Showcase, a community art exhibition celebrating the incredible talent of photographers, artists, and creatives throughout our area.
In a world where so much of our work lives on phones and social media, there’s something truly special about seeing a piece printed, framed, and displayed in a gallery setting. Our mission is to give artists the opportunity to experience the impact of their work in a physical space while connecting with fellow creatives and the local community. Whether you’re an established artist or exhibiting your work for the very first time, Summer Showcase is designed to encourage creativity, inspire conversation, and remind us that art is meant to be seen beyond the screen.
Artists are invited to submit up to four pieces for just $10 per image, with winning entries receiving prizes and recognition during the exhibition. More than a competition, this showcase is about celebrating creative expression, supporting one another, and creating a space where art can spark inspiration for everyone who participates. We’re looking forward to seeing you at POP Studio on September 18th.
Meet Your Judges
About Your Judges
About Micah Green: Born in Texas and raised much of his childhood in Mississippi, Green began taking photographs while working at his college newspaper, which led to his first job at The Commercial Dispatch in Columbus, Mississippi. He found local journalism to be a revelation. Since then, he has bounced around to local newspapers across the Southeast while simultaneously freelancing for clients like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Reuters. He and his wife, Kayla, currently run the editorial side of Gulf Coast Media, a collection of four local newspapers in coastal Alabama, and serve as the U.S. mentors for The Raw Society.
Green has exhibited his work in South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi, including at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. He also had a photo selected for the 39th edition of the American Photography Annual and was part of the Atlanta Center of Photography’s group exhibition “The New South” in 2025. He was the first photographer represented by The Caron Gallery, a fine art gallery based in Laurel, Mississippi.
Although he spent his youth in the South, his family is from the western U.S., and he didn’t grow up feeling “Southern.” Self-taught through experimentation, Green’s daily interactions and observations through his camera have given him a better understanding of, and deeper ties to, the region he now calls home.
About Kayla Green: Kayla has worked in local news since 2009, largely in the Southeast. She is the executive editor at Gulf Coast Media in coastal Alabama as well as for The Sumter Item in South Carolina and since 2016 has been part of a leadership team that evolves family-owned newspapers into profitable, mission-driven business models through advertising and newsroom shifts, transforming traditionally print-only outlets into sustainable multimedia companies.
In 2021, she was named in Editor & Publisher’s ‘25 Under 35 Next Gen of News Professionals,’ and newsrooms under her leadership have been awarded on the state and national level across all facets of news production. She is also the copy editor-in-chief for The Raw Society Magazine and a writing mentor for The Raw Society, a global educational collective of photographers that promotes slow storytelling. She was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, and received her degree in journalism from the University of Florida.
This Year’s Theme
Heat. We are looking for photographs that encompass all things summer. Drinking from a garden hose, ice cream melting, tan lines, tired eyes, you name it. It’s your work and we’ll be looking for unique images that catch our eye.
FAQ for Summer Showcase
Can I submit an AI image? No. Please do NOT submit any AI-generated or AI-altered images to the contest. They will not be valid entries and refunds will not be provided if an AI-image is entered. Entries are subject to show proof of raw files if AI is suspected.
What is the submission deadline date? Submissions are due August 15th, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. If selected, all work must be dropped off at the studio on September 13th, 2026 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
How will I know if I was selected for the showcase? You will receive an e-mail by Monday, August 31st letting you know if you are selected to have your artwork in the summer showcase. You will also receive a detailed e-mail with instructions about printing your work, drop-off, and the event. If you didn’t get an e-mail by August 31st please check your spam folder.
How much does it cost to enter? The cost is $10 per image and you may submit up to 4 images. All costs from entries will go toward event costs and prizes for photographers.
What are the prizes and when is it announced? Winners and awards will be announced at event on September 18th. A detailed schedule will be posted. Prizes include film, printing gift certificates, a one-month membership at POP Studio, and much more.
Who selects the winners? We have an esteemed panel of judges. The judges’ bios are just above this section.
Will you accept images with watermarks? We will not accept photos with watermarks or descriptive text over the image. However, all photographers will be credited for their work when used by the contest in any capacity.
Can I submit a photo on someone else’s behalf? No, you must have taken the image and retain the copyright to any work you submit.
Where can I send questions or feedback? For questions about the event, artwork, and judging please email geoffpeckcreativeservices@gmail.com. For troubleshooting and entry submission questions please email hello@jordanwestphoto.com.
How do I submit images? You can find the form here. It will direct you to a payment page. You can adjust the quantity of images to reflect the number of images you submit.
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