TIFTON – Area artisans will have an opportunity to have their work showcased in a specially-curated exhibit which opens July 16 at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The Best of Tiftarea Artisans is open to professional and hobby artisans ages 18 and up from Tift and surrounding counties.

Basketry, photography, pottery, fiber art, woodwork, paintings and drawings, and handcrafted jewelry will all be considered for this exhibit, which is presented in tandem with the Museum partner group, Tiftarea Artisans. A panel of judges will evaluate up to four submitted digital images per artisan and determine which pieces will be selected to become a part of the new exhibit.

Once the final exhibit is in place, the panel of judges will select the top three artisans who will receive recognition and cash prizes totaling $475 provided by Tiftarea Artisans during the exhibit’s opening reception on July 16. Most of the works on display will be made available for purchase during this time.

All eligible artisans are invited to apply by submitting up to four high-quality digital images of their work. There is a submission fee of $5 per image. Images for submission can be e-mailed to entries@tiftareaartisans.org. The submission fee can be mailed to Tiftarea Artisans, Attention: Exhibit Entry, PO Box 7227, Tifton, GA 31793.

Images of all submissions and the accompanying fees must be received by June 30. Artisans whose work has been accepted for participation in the exhibit will be notified by e-mail. Artwork selected for the exhibit must be delivered to the Gallery of the Museum by 4 p.m. on July 14.

The opening reception for The Best of Tiftarea Artisans is set for 6 p.m. on July 16. Local food bites and local musicians will be on tap for the opening reception. The exhibit will remain on display at the GMA Gallery until Nov. 3.

For more information on this exhibit or to request an entry form and exhibit rules, interested persons can contact GMA Assistant Director and Curator Polly Huff at phuff@abac.edu