St. Lucie Cultural Alliance

Calling All Artists: The Backus Museum opens its annual juried photography competition for Through the Eye of the Camera
2026-04-15 - 2026-05-08 | A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, 500 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL, 34950, United States
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery announces its Call to Artists for the annual juried photography exhibition, Through the Eye of the Camera. Now entering its fourth decade of excellence, the competition provides amateur and professional artists an exceptional opportunity to present their best works for consideration, honors, and public appreciation. Entries in both traditional and digital photography will be accepted by advance appointment April 15 through May 8. There is a $30 entry fee for artists entering 1-3 works, $25 entry fee for artists entering 4 or more works. This year’s full prospectus with application, dates, guidelines, categories, awards, and entry procedures is available to download from the Museum’s website at www.BackusMuseum.org/juried-shows or pick up during regular hours at the Museum, 500 North Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce, Florida.
Photographers may enter their work in one of four subject categories: (1) Animal subjects; (2) Flora & Landscape subjects; (3) People/Portrait subjects; or (4) Open, for subjects that are not included in the three other categories. In addition to Best of Show, Director’s Choice, People’s Choice, and 1st-2nd-3rd and Award of Merit in the category awards, there is a special “Best Black & White Photograph” and “Best Film / Traditional RAW Photograph” award. Details are available in the prospectus.
Artists are required to sign up online for an entry appointment in advance. Each 15-minute entry appointment will accommodate one artist entering up to three (3) works of art; artists wishing to enter more than three works must sign up for additional entry appointments. Artists can access the online appointment schedule with all entry information at www.BackusMuseum.org/juried-shows.
The juried exhibition Through the Eye of the Camera will be on view May 15 through the close of the regular season on June 19, 2026, with accepted artists and award winners announced online by Thursday evening, May 14. The opening reception is planned for Friday, May 15 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
