Art Through the Lens

Art Through the Lens is an international juried photography exhibition hosted by Yeiser Art Center, a non-profit visual arts organization located at 200 Broadway in the historic 1905 Market House building near Paducah's riverfront. Originating in 1975 as the Paducah Summer Festival Photo Competition, the exhibition has grown into one of the Mid-South's most prestigious annual photographic events. In 2013, Paducah was designated a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network in the area of Crafts & Folk Art, prompting the exhibition's name change to reflect its international growth.

The exhibition is open to all photographers without restrictions on size or content. Artists may submit up to 4 photographic images created in the past 3 years. All photo-based imagery created through photographic processes is eligible, including non-lens made images. Work must be original and not previously exhibited in a Paducah Photo exhibition. From hundreds of submissions, 60-100 images are selected by a highly qualified juror, with five receiving cash awards: First Place $1,000, Second Place $500, Third Place $300, and two Honorable Mentions of $100 each. An awards presentation will be held during the opening reception.

Entry deadline is April 30, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Entry fee is $10 per photograph submitted. Entries are submitted solely online through CaFE. Selected artists will be notified by May 15, 2015, and work must arrive at the Yeiser Art Center no later than June 12, 2015. Accepted entries must be shipped prepaid with prepaid return shipping via FedEX or UPS only. Work must be framed using Plexiglass and black, white, or gray mats. The exhibition runs June 20 - August 1, 2015. A second regional showcase will be held at Maiden Alley Cinema featuring regional photographers, with the same rules and submission process. Sales are encouraged; Yeiser Art Center retains a standard 40% gallery commission on all sales. Work will be insured for exhibition value or 60% of retail price; artists are responsible for insuring work during transit.