The Upstairs Artspace invites all photographers – from amateurs to seasoned professionals – to submit images to be included in the gallery’s opening 2013 exhibit, “Upload: The Art of the Digital Camera Phone.” All photos must be submitted by Dec. 31.

The show will open on Jan. 18 – an opening reception on Jan. 19 – and run until March 2.

Upload is the first show of its kind in the region, offering photographers at all levels of experience an opportunity to explore the artistic possibilities of this new and fast-developing technology.

“Smartphones and image-editing apps have really leveled the playing field,” said Chris Tinkler, who is curating Upload. “You don’t have to walk around with a high-end camera. You just pull out your phone and capture a moment, and then you can manipulate your images with nothing but your phone. No darkroom; no computer.”

The exhibit will have two parts – an open show to be displayed in the Upstairs’ main, street-level gallery, and a juried show that will be housed in the small-works gallery inside the front window.

Anyone can submit one image for inclusion in the open show. Participants in the juried show will pay a $20 fee, and can send in three images. One winner chosen in the juried show will receive a $250 prize.

“By opening up the gallery’s walls to everyone, Upload will show how camera phones and apps have really democratized photography,” Tinkler said.

For more information about the show or the process for submitting entries, visit the gallery’s website at www.upstairsartspace.org, or call 828-859-0135 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Questions and entries can also be emailed to frontdesk@upstairsartspace.org.

– article submitted by Harold Maass