Deadline for submissions for ‘Art Thru the Lens’ show Jan. 4
Cape Coral Art League’s once-a-year photography contest and show is just a few days away with the deadline for submissions being Jan. 4.
Show co-chair Carmen Sprague expects the usual number of entries at about 70.
“After a few years of lapse, I started the ‘Art Thru the Lens’ show back up in 2004 and we have had it in January ever since,” said Sprague. “It’s a showcase of photography. Photography is art. A lot of people think it’s not, but I know that it is art. It should be art and it should be enjoyed as art.”
Entries will be hung in the gallery at the Art League, 516 Cultural Park Blvd., on Jan. 4. Paul M. Rodino will judge the entries on Jan. 5 and the first public viewing is 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 9. Entries will be on display until Jan. 23.
Entries are open to Cape Coral Art League members as well as non-members. Prize money, based on the number of entries, is awarded to first, second and third place winners.
“We had 33 entries the first year, but then we opened it to non members and many of them ultimately became members,” said Sprague. “This is a through-the-lens show. Only cropping is allowed. You have to know how to create through the lens.”
Most of the entries come from Southwest Florida photographers, one from Englewood and sometimes from BIG Arts on Sanibel, Sprague added.
“We get a lot of travel photography, some underwater photos and even black and white entries,” said Sprague.
Photos must have been taken within the last two years. Any work that has received an award higher than honorable mention at a Cape Coral Art League show are not eligible. No digitally altered or graphic art is accepted. Artist must be prepared to show negatives or digital files if requested. Each artist is allowed to enter up to three photos to be displayed for sale in the gallery.
“This is our time to shine,” said Sprague. “There aren’t many photo contests in this area.”
The fee to enter up to three photos in the contest is $20 for league members, $30 for non-members.