A panel of three judges is awaiting submissions for FOCUS ’25, the Wilton Arts Council’s 25th annual photography exhibit. The exhibit will be on display from March 15 through April 23, 2025, at the Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT.
Photographers of all ages, including youth, are encouraged to participate. Photographs will be judged in three categories:
- Adult (professional and amateur combined)
- High school students
- Youth photographers (through 8th grade)
The youth division was introduced in 2006 to inspire young photographers.
Meet the Judges
Ralph Baskin
A self-taught photographer, Baskin discovered his passion for photography in the 1970s when he purchased a used SLR before a cross-country road trip. His interest deepened after taking an adult education course on composition, exposure, and darkroom techniques.
The shift to digital photography expanded his creative possibilities, particularly in post-processing. Workshops in Yosemite and the Sierra introduced him to landscape photography, and he later embraced infrared photography, which now makes up 60–70% of his work. He primarily works in black and white but has begun incorporating infrared color photography into his portfolio.
Tom Mezzanotte
With over 45 years of experience, Mezzanotte studied photography at the University of Bridgeport, where he later became the director of the Carlson Gallery. He has conducted workshops nationwide as a Connecticut Commission of the Arts Master Teaching Artist.
His work has been exhibited at institutions such as NY University, the Santa Fe College of Art, The George Eastman House, and the New Britain Museum of American Art. He has received multiple grants and awards, including three individual artist grants from Connecticut and the Director’s Choice Award from the Edward S. Moore Foundation. In 2010, he was named Fairfield, Connecticut’s Artist of the Year.
More of his work can be viewed at thomasmezzanotte.com and on Instagram at #mezzanotteobscura.
Oliver Varga
Winner of the Best of Show award in FOCUS ’24 for his photograph Hope, Varga is a family portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Norwalk, CT. Originally from Budapest, Hungary, he discovered photography as a child, borrowing his parents’ camera to explore the world around him.
While he does not specialize in a specific genre, Varga enjoys capturing nature, wildlife, landscapes, and portraits. His photography serves as an artistic escape, allowing him to express his vision and emotions through his work.
Photo Drop-Off:
- Friday, March 7, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Wilton Library
Submission Guidelines:
- Photos must be original and taken by the entrant (film or digital).
- Digital enhancements are allowed, but additional objects not originally photographed cannot be added.
- Frames must be at least 8" x 10" and wired for hanging (no loops or hooks). Improperly wired photos will be ineligible.
- Each photographer may submit up to two photos.
Awards & Reception
- Best of Show (open to all)
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each division (adult, high school, youth)
- Honorable mentions in each division
- Reception: Friday, March 21, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM at Wilton Library (open to the public)
- Many photographs will be available for purchase throughout the exhibit.
How to Enter
- Entry forms can be downloaded from the Wilton Arts Council website: www.wiltonarts.org
- Forms are also available at FOCUS ’25 sponsor locations.
- For questions, email baswilton@yahoo.com or call Beth Schneider at (203) 834-9986.
Sponsors
- Baker Graphics (Westport) | bakergraphicsinc@mindspring.com
- Beardsley Traveling Art Framer (Wilton) | www.thetravelingartframer.com
- Gateway Art and Framing (Wilton) | www.gatewayartandframing.com
- Milford Photo (Milford) | www.milfordphoto.com
- Photographic Solutions (Norwalk) | www.photographic-solutions-llc.com
- Rockwell Art and Framing (Wilton, Westport, New Canaan) | www.rockwellartandframing.com
Some sponsors are offering discounts on framing and enlargements to help entrants prepare their submissions. Contact sponsors directly for details.