Photography Exhibition
A Dedicated Showcase for the Art of Photography
Photography is back at the Virginia Highlands Festival with its own juried exhibition, competition, and dedicated gallery space.
Hosted inside the beautifully renovated Abingdon Train Station adjacent to the Arts Depot, the Photography Exhibition creates an inspiring art walk experience connecting photography and fine art while celebrating the unique perspective of the photographic medium.
This new chapter gives photography the space it deserves to stand on its own, showcasing powerful imagery, creative vision, and the ability of photographers to help us see the world in new ways.
Event Overview
Where Photography Takes Center Stage
The Virginia Highlands Festival Photography Exhibition provides a dedicated platform for photographers to share their work through a professionally juried exhibition focused entirely on the photographic arts.
From breathtaking landscapes and wildlife images to documentary storytelling, abstract compositions, and intimate moments of everyday life, the exhibition celebrates the diverse ways photographers capture and interpret the world around us.
Dedicated juried photography exhibition
Professional photography competition
Historic gallery setting
Original photographic artwork
Regional and emerging photographers
Connected Arts Depot art walk experience
Featured Festival Event
Photography Exhibition
July 25 - August 2
Explore a curated collection of photographs from talented artists whose work captures beauty, emotion, perspective, storytelling, and artistic vision through the camera lens.
Located in the historic Abingdon Train Station, the exhibition provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience photography as its own artistic discipline while enjoying a walk between two of Abingdon's most iconic arts destinations.
Visitor Information
- Adjacent to the Arts Depot
- Part of a walkable fine arts experience
- Features regional and emerging photographers
- Photography-focused exhibition and awards program
Date(s): Jul 25
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Abingdon Train Station
Cost: Free
2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 26
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Abingdon Train Station
Cost: Free
2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 27 – Aug 1
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Abingdon Train Station
Cost: Free
2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Aug 2
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Abingdon Train Station
Cost: Free
2026 Juror: Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 18 – Jul 19
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Abingdon Train Station
Cost: Free
For: Photography Exhibitions
Registration: Pre-Registration Required
Date(s): Jul 20
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Abingdon Arts Depot
Cost: Free
For: Photography Exhibitions
Registration: Pre-Registration Required
Art Intake
July 18 - July 19: 2pm-5pm
July 20: 4pm-7pm
Artist Information
Photographers are invited to submit work for consideration in the 2026 Virginia Highlands Festival Photography Exhibition.
The juried process encourages both emerging and experienced photographers to share original work that demonstrates creativity, technical excellence, and artistic vision.
Submission Highlights
- Juried exhibition process
- Professional evaluation
- Regional artist participation
- Exhibition and award opportunities
- Original photography encouraged
Meet the 2026 Juror
Liam Besneatte-Cullinane
Liam Besneatte-Cullinane is an analog photographer based in Southwest Virginia whose work explores darkroom processes, experimental techniques, and the psychological impact of photographic imagery.
His artistic practice often investigates themes of cyclicality, fractal structures in nature, biological symbolism, and the relationship between observation and interpretation.
In addition to his photography, Liam manages The Art Place in Chilhowie, Virginia, where he supports regional artists and contributes to the area's creative community.
Juror Highlights
- Analog photographer
- Darkroom and process-based artist
- Gallery director and curator
- Regional exhibition juror
- Advocate for emerging artists
- Southwest Virginia creative leader
Exhibition Experience
Liam's work has been exhibited at:
- William King Museum of Art
- McGlothlin Center for the Arts
- Renaissance Arts Center
- Additional regional institutions throughout Appalachia
Jurying Philosophy
His approach to jurying emphasizes:
- Artistic intentionality
- Technical craftsmanship
- Creative experimentation
- Strong visual storytelling
- Meaningful engagement with subject matter
- Thoughtful interpretation of the photographic medium
Featured Artwork
Our Leading Sponsors
We’re grateful for the partners who help make the festival possible.
Additional Sponsors & Community Partners
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Get Involved
Share Your Perspective
Interested in exhibiting your photography, supporting visual arts programming, sponsoring the exhibition, or helping celebrate creative expression through the Virginia Highlands Festival?
We’d love to hear from you.
Events on this Page (1)