PROSPECTUS
"Through the Lens" is a Juried art show to be held at Ardest Gallery in The Woodlands, Texas, just North of Houston between February. The Deadline to apply is Friday, March 6th 11:59 PM.
Photography is more than the capture of light and shadow—it is a deeply personal act of seeing, interpreting, and sharing our world. "Through the Lens" brings together the distinctive perspectives of Texas photographers whose work reminds us that every image is both a window and a mirror: a window into the subject before the camera, and a mirror reflecting the artist's unique way of perceiving reality.
The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, April 11th 6-8 p.m. with a presentation by the Juror at 7 p.m.
GUEST JURORS - Valerie Yaklin-Brown & Lisa Harris
Valerie Yaklin-Brown is a photographic artist living on a former emu farm in Magnolia, TX. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. It was there that she developed a passion for black and white photography, especially film and darkroom work. Valerie’s work is inspired by ubiquitous moments and universal life experiences. She currently teaches photography at Lone Star College-Montgomery.
Lisa Newberry-Harris is a conceptual fine art photographer living in Montgomery, TX. She received her BFA in photography/ digital media from the University of Houston, and her MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Lisa’s work explores such themes as human connection, perception, and purpose within contemporary society.
Currently, Lisa is exploring fine art digital compositing combining analog photography, digital imagery, and elements of AI to create new imagined worlds.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES & APPLICATION FEE
Each artist is limited to six (6) entries per submission. There is a $30 (USD) non-refundable/non-transferable fee for up to six (6) images. Payment must be submitted at the time of the application.
HOW TO ENTER
Please read through all of the materials, including load-in and load-out dates to ensure that you can participate. Entries can only be submitted via JotForm.
Please LABEL all submissions as "Work Title.Artist Name.Medium.Size.Price." Should your work(s) require additional details or notes, kindly note that in the "special requests" section offered in JotForm.
ELIGIBLE MEDIA
All works must have been completed between 2021-2026 and not previously exhibited at Ardest Gallery. Eligible media includes, but is not limited to, drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, oil, chalk, pastels, ink, ceramics, sculptures, metal work, wood work, and textiles. Max size for works is 48x48.
If you have a question about whether your work is suitable for submission, please contact julieverville@ardestgallery.com.
ARTIST NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Accepted artists will be notified no later than March 13th EOD via the email provided in the submission application.
LOAD-IN/LOAD-OUT DATES
Load-in for will be offered both Friday, March 17th between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday, March 28th between 2-4 p.m. at Ardest Gallery, located at 25200 Grogan's Park Drive, The Woodlands TX 77380.
Pre-arranged shipments of artwork WITH return labels are also accepted. BUT, the works must arrive during the gallery's open hours. **Please contact us priot to shipping artwork.
ALL accepted works delivered MUST be ready-to-hang or display AND include a printed inventory sheet with title/size/medium and price alongside a thumbnail of the work(s).
Load-out will be offered on Saturday, April 25th between 2-4 p.m. or MONDAY, April 27th between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
GALLERY SALES
Works will be exhibited and available for purchase by visitors to the gallery, and via an online gallery. All sales throughout the show's duration will be managed by the gallery, with a 35% commission retained by the gallery. Commission statements will be provided via email to artists that sell work along with payment via their preference of Zelle, Venmo or check.
AWARDS
Awards will be provided for one Best in Show, 1st Place & 2nd Place. Honorable mentions will also be noted.
PUBLICITY
The exhibition will be publicized locally via our social media platforms, digital media platforms and event listings, email newsletter and press releases submitted to local news outlets. Ardest Gallery reserves the right to use photographs and/or digital images for the purpose of publicity for the exhibit and/or the artist.
If you have any questions about this exhibition - please contact Julie Verville, Gallery Director/Curator, julieverville@ardestgallery.com or 832-296-6723. Thank you!