[SCV Photographers Assn.] – The Santa Clarita Valley Photographers Association has announced details of its Spring 2012 Print Competition to be held Saturday, May 19, followed by an all-day exhibit open to the public on Sunday, May 20, at William S. Hart Hall, 24151 Newhall Avenue.

Judging for the competition takes place from 9am to 1pm on the 19th, followed by a reception and gala from 5pm to 8pm, with all entries displayed in a gallery-like setting. Wine and snacks will be provided along with live music by Matthew Kolodziejczyk and his band, Blowin’ Da Blues. The public is invited to enter the competition and attend the judging and reception. On Sunday the 20th, all the prints are exhibited for public viewing from 10am to 4pm.

“We are excited to be holding the event at Hart Hall for the first time,” said SCVPA president David Green. “The opportunity to hold a gallery show on Sunday will be a lot of fun.”

Photographers may submit up to five prints in any of eight categories: 1) Portrait; 2) Animals; 3) Photojournalism, Event & Editorial; 4) Landscape; 5) Nature; 6) Macro & Close-up; 7) Design, Architectural, Still Life & Fine Art; 8) Digital Manipulation and “Freestyle” (Photoshop). Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained at the Association’s website at www.scvphotographers.com.

The submission process is now open, with the final deadline set for 5pm, Monday, May 14, at Santa Clarita Camera (21515 Soledad Canyon Rd., #116). The entry fee is $20 for SCVPA members, $30 for non-members and $5 for full-time students up to age 18.

“We invite all photographers of any ability to enter,” Green said. “Last year, the First Prize winner in the Nature category was a student. You never know what will catch the judges’ eyes.”

The Santa Clarita Valley Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancing of the business and art of photography. It meets at 6:45 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month at Santa Clarita Camera, (661) 288-2101, www.santaclaritacamera.com.