Deadline August 31, 2026
Exhibition Nov 12 - Dec 31, 2026
This is Kansas City Society for Contemporary Photography's annual member's juried exhibit. It is to showcase what photographic artists are doing today. Works must have been produced from 2024 - 2026. We are looking for a broad range of photography styles and processes that represent the diversity of photographic excellence within our region.
2026 Juror: John Hans
About our Juror
John W. Hans – Juror Biography
John W. Hans has been creating photographic art for nearly 50 years and has been an active member of the Kansas City arts community for more than 35 years. He currently serves as Director of Production at Dolphin Archival Printing, located within Haw Contemporary in Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms. His work includes digital retouching for commercial and fine art photographers, as well as producing archival-quality prints and reproductions for artists, portfolios, and gallery exhibitions.
Hans began his career using traditional photographic techniques, honing his craft in the wet darkroom. As photography evolved, so did his artistic process. By integrating digital technology with traditional photographic principles, he developed a distinctive approach that allows subtle modifications to enhance the visual impact of an image while maintaining its authenticity.
Originally a drawing major in college, Hans credits his background in drawing as one of the greatest influences on his photography. The discipline taught him the importance of composition, design, and visual balance. He approaches photography much like drawing—abstractly—focusing on the interplay of light, shadow, shape, pattern, and texture in both natural and man-made environments.
His portfolio is primarily landscape-based, though it encompasses a wide range of subjects and settings. Through his work, he seeks to reveal the beauty and complexity of often-overlooked surroundings. Whether exploring industrial forms or organic landscapes, Hans is continually searching for unique compositions, compelling patterns, and exceptional light that transform everyday scenes into striking visual experiences.
Hans has exhibited his work in Palm Springs, California; Naples, Florida; Portland, Oregon; and Springfield, Missouri. His photography is included in several notable collections, including the permanent collection of H&R Block and the Kansas City International Airport Art Collection. Among more than 1,900 submissions, he was one of only eleven artists selected to display work at Kansas City International Airport, an achievement he considers one of the highlights of his career.
His work has been published in Black & White Magazine, The Kansas City Star, and other publications. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Judge’s Award at the 2011 Louisville Art Association National Photography Show and Best in Show at the 2005 Photography Show at Southwest University. His photography was also featured in the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism’s “Earth Through the Lens” competition.
For Hans, every exhibition and juried selection serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of the quality and continued evolution of his work.
Additional information and portfolio images can be found at jwhans.com.
You can view his CV here.