Accepting Digital Submissions
Now - February 4th, 2026 by 11:50 p.m. (EST)
Invitation
Gaylord area Council for the Arts (Gaylord Arts) invites Michigan photographers to enter the 2026 Juried Photography Exhibit. Digital entries are due by February 4th, 2026 (See below for more information). Awards will be given in two categories, as well as “People’s Choice”. An Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony Saturday, March 7th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm (EST). The accepted entries will be on display at the Gaylord Arts Gallery from March 4th - April 17th.
Awards Given In Two Categories:
Traditional
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Cell Phone
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Eligibility
Michigan photographers 14 years old and older and seasonal residents may enter. All entries must be original works of the artist’s own creation. Works exhibited in previous Gaylord Arts juried shows will not be accepted. Entries will be accepted in these two categories:
- Traditional Photography: Images taken by the photographer with any photographic device (digital, film, polaroid, drone, cellphone, etc). Post-processing (Photoshop, etc) is allowed. If selected for the show, you will be required to submit a physical piece to exhibit in the gallery. All photographs in the image must have been taken by the artist. No AI images allowed.
- Mobile Phone Photography: Any art work that has been captured using a mobile phone device only. All Post photographic processing must have been done using the cellphones built-in editing software. If selected for the show, you will not be required to submit a physical, hard copy photograph. Your work will be displayed digitally only. All photographs in the image must have been taken by the artist. No AI images allowed.
2026 Juried Photography Judge:
Scott Laursen
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Scott Laursen is a fine art documentary photographer whose work explores storytelling through movement, atmosphere, and the connection between people and places.
With international exhibitions and a Master of Arts in Photography, he draws on diverse mediums to capture authentic moments across sports, culture, nature, and everyday life. |
Submission Procedure
- Entry fee: $25 for Gaylord Arts members, $35 for non-members, $10 for Student (high school + college, ages 14-23). Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the first 35 student submissions will be FREE!
- Up to 8 images (total) may be submitted.
- Images may be a mix of traditional and cellphone photography
- Images must be in JPG or PNG format and digital image size limited to approximately 1200 x 1800 pixels.
- Name image files as follows: lastname_firstname_title_category
- Complete form, attach digital images to form, and submit entree fee no later than February 4th at 11:50 p.m.
- Photographers will be notified by email regarding acceptance of images by February 11th, 2026.
- Accepted entries in the "Traditional" Category must be framed, wired and ready to hang (No sawtooth hangers) and delivered to the Gaylord Arts Gallery, no later than February 27th, during regular business hours.
- Clearly print on the back of each accepted piece: Photographer’s name, title of work and selling price. If not for sale—”For Exhibit Only” or NFS.
- Unsold pieces may be picked up during regular business hours beginning April 15th, 2026. All unsold pieces must be picked up by April 17th, 2026. Photos not retrieved within 30 days from this date become the property of Gaylord Arts, unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Sales
Gaylord Arts will retain a 30% commission on works sold during the exhibit. The sales price includes any matting and framing. All accepted entries will be featured at: www.gaylordarts.org. , however, Mobile phone photography entries are not eligible for sale.
