24th Annual Exploring the Light Photo Show

The 24th Annual Exploring the Light juried photo competition runs March 26th - June 21st, 2025 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. This show is presented by the Lone Tree Arts Commission and the Lone Tree Photo Club.

Deadline for Entry
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 by 11:59pm

See the world through a different lens with the Exploring the Light Photo Exhibit at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Local photographers come together to create a visual collage of different styles, subjects and sentiments. 

2026 Categories
·  Landscape

·  Animals

·  Portraits

·  Sports

·  Still Life 

Jurying and Awards

Individual images submitted via CaFE TM are juried by a blind jury review process. Invited images are juried for awards based on final presentation of artwork including the image quality, content, frame, mat, and tile. Photographer identification will be hidden from view when jurying. Total cash awards are estimated at $3,450. Awards include first, second, and third place in each category, along with Best of Show, Commissioners' Choice, and People's Choice.  

Entry and Fees

Photographers must apply via CaFE TM by the entry deadline of Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. Up to 3 entries may be submitted by an individual. A non-refundable $37 entry fee is required. Fees may be paid via credit card on CaFE TM. 

Presentation 

All images must be delivered gallery ready (ie. canvas wrap, metal, acrylic, wood, floating or other frame) and ready to hang. Framing must meet gallery quality standards - no large imperfections, no sagging canvas. Any work printed on paper, must be matted and covered with clean plexiglass or glass, museum quality is recommended.  

Images must be undamaged and reinforced with hardware AND picture hanging wire. If you provide a piece of artwork with no wire, it will be turned away as it will not be suitable to hang with our Arakawa Hanging System. D-rings should be installed 1/3 of the overall height from the top edge, picture wire should then be strung through taut, not loose, and adequately secured. Glass clips, sawtooth hangers, shadow mounts, and French cleats are NOT acceptable and will be turned away. Finished images must not weigh more than 35lbs or exceed 48x48 framed. A label must be attached to the back of the image, identifying artist, title, and price. Entries not meeting specifications will be turned away.  

Sales and Bin Work

All images invited to the show must be for sale. The Lone Tree Arts Center will conduct sales at the Box Office and retain 20% commission on all sales. Accepted photographers may sell bin work at the opening reception ONLY. You may bring your own bin or use one of ours, they will be made available on a first come first serve basis. Payment for the sale of any exhibited work and/or bin work will be issued following the close of the show and upon receipt of a W-9 from the artist. A digital catalogue listing artist contact and sales information will be available to the public throughout the photo show on the Lone Tree Arts Center website. Images may not be removed before the end of the Photo Show.
 
2026 Juror - Cliff Lawson

Bio coming soon...

Questions and Information

Please contact Bailey Dunning at bailey.dunning@cityoflonetree.com
or 303-909-2422, if additional questions about this call are required.  
 
Important Dates

December 29th - Call for Entry opens
February 11th - Deadline / Entry closed
February 12th - February 15th - Jurying
February 16th - Notification
March 24th - Drop-off Images: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
March 27th - Opening Reception: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
June 22nd - Pick-up Images: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Viewing Hours for Show

The exhibit will be open for viewing from March 26th – June 21st. Currently our hours are Monday through Friday, 10am - 4pm and 2 hours prior to any performance at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Check the calendar on the website for dates outside of Monday through Friday or call our Box Office to confirm at 720.509.1000.

Entry Requirements

• Eligible photographers may enter up to 3 images.
• Images must be originals executed and altered by the photographer only.
• Images must not be of someone else’s artwork that constitutes copyright infringement.
• Images should be non-offensive to a general audience of all ages.
• Images must be for sale.
• Images must have been completed within the last 3 years (2023-2026) and not shown in a previous Lone Tree Photo Show.
• Juror may transfer entries from one category to another if deemed more appropriate.
• Accepted images must remain on display through the duration of this exhibit. They cannot be picked up earlier than the arranged date below.
• Images must be delivered and retrieved during the designated drop-off and pick-up times ONLY. If you or someone you have designated are unable to make these dates and times work, please do not apply for the show.
  • Drop-off March 24th from 3:00pm-6:00pm
  • Pick-up June 22nd from 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Images must include a finished frame size and sales price on the application. This information will be printed.
• Images uploaded for the application cannot display the artists name or any identifying mark on the front of the image.

Eligibility

Photographers of all ages who can deliver and pick-up their work in person at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Images will not be accepted by any other means (UPS, FEDEX, USPS, etc.).