“Preston Castle Unveiled: A Captivating Photographic Journey Through Reformation”

Attention all Photographers! INVITATION FOR SUBMISSION for
Reformation: Transforming the Reformatory A Photography Exhibit of Preston Castle

Curated and judged by Becky Jaffe and organized by Marge Levy

You are enthusiastically encouraged to send your photographs of Preston Castle for the very first photography exhibit within the castle. Together, we shall turn the historic reformatory into an art gallery. How can your artistic perspective illuminate this intricate space? Present us your distinctive vision! We want to see your narrative-driven imagery, your re-telling, your visual and social compassion, your affection for the derelict and deserted, your eye for the poetry of history, your artistic tributes to the wards and staff who resided and worked there when it was operational from 1894 to 1960, and your appreciation for the bats that have ironically claimed the castle. Wild photographic innovation is highly encouraged.

Key Dates:

Exhibit duration: April 5th – August 30th, 2025
Submission Deadline: February 15th, 2025
Notification of Chosen Works: March 3rd, 2025
Artists may either ship their work to Preston Castle (please email us for the shipping address) or bring ready-to-hang pieces in person to one of three locations on: March 24th, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM.

1)  Preston Castle in Ione
2)  A drop-off location in Oakland (address details communicated upon notification of

selection)
3)  A drop-off venue in Danville (address details communicated upon notification o f

selection)

Opening Reception: April 5th, 2025, from 2 to 4 PM,
Closing Reception: August 30th, 2025, from 2 to 4 PM
Please note that exhibiting artists and one guest each will be granted free admission, while all other attendees are required to pay $15 for the opening and closing receptions.

Collection of unsold prints: at the conclusion of the closing reception or on August 31st from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Preston Castle, or by prior arrangement. Please indicate in your emailed submission if you wish to donate any unsold prints to the Preston Castle Foundation for permanent display and/or auction.

Submitting your work:

All submissions must consist of the artist’s original work created at Preston Castle; Photo-based digital and analog collages are permissible, as well as double exposures, and AI if identified as such. All photographic methods are accepted, particularly those that were prevalent during the period Preston Castle operated, from 1894 to 1960;

Email up to 6 digital files to [email protected] in the following format: 72 dpi; image width under 1200 pixels on the longer side; LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg;
In the body of your email, please provide your name, titles of submitted images, photographic process/medium, dimensions, and pricing;

Accepted artists will be requested to provide an artist’s statement and biography;
All works must be delivered ready-to-hang, with wire affixed to the back of the frame. Vintage frames that resonate with the period when the Preston Castle was functional are encouraged; unframed works are also acceptable if the aesthetic fits well within the space (e.g., if the image is printed on rusted metal); reach out to the curator for discussion;
Please be advised that the Castle is not climate-controlled, and your prints will remain unprotected from our flying residents, the bats. They are present at night during the tour season and are not housebroken.
Artists will receive 50% of sales; the Preston Castle Foundation will receive the remaining 50%. All artists will receive a tax donation receipt for the 50% that PCF collects from the sale of their prints.
Entry Fee: 3 images for $35 and $5 for each additional image, with a maximum of 6 images total
Please submit your entry fee here ( and subsequently email your images to Becky Jaffe at [email protected]
Artists maintain all rights to their images.

Thank you for engaging in the inaugural photography exhibit inside the castle! We eagerly anticipate viewing your unique vision.