Call Description

Perspective Gallery is pleased to announce LENS 2026, our 16th annual juried international exhibition of fine art photography. Photographers are invited to submit work for possible inclusion in the exhibition. All subject matter and photographic processes, except AI, are welcome.

JUROR: Ann M. Jastrab

Ann M. Jastrab is the Executive Director at the Center for Photographic Art (CPA) in Carmel, California. CPA strives to advance photography through education, exhibition and publication. Before CPA, Ann worked as the gallery director at RayKo Photo Center and the gallery manager at Scott Nichols Gallery, both in San Francisco, California. Besides being a curator and an educator, Ann is a writer and editor, and a fine art photographer who still carries around a wooden view camera…and a metal one too.

SUBMISSIONS

Photographers are invited to submit up to five (5) photographic images in JPEG format which have been created within the past five years. We are not accepting AI images for this call. Work previously shown at Perspective Gallery cannot be submitted. Applicants should complete their entry and upload their images at: CaFÉ. By submitting work, applicants agree to permit Perspective Gallery to use their images in publicity with attribution; photographers retain copyright to their work. File names should be the title of the work, but not include the artist’s name.

ENTRY FEE

There is a $40 (U.S) non-refundable fee for submitting up to five (5) images. Early Bird Submission ends on Oct. 31, $35. 

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES

Entries Due: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CST)

Notification of acceptance: January 24, 2026

Delivery of work to the gallery due: February 27, 2026

Show opens: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Opening reception and awards: March 7, 2026

Virtual Artists’ Talk: March 12, 2026, 7 p.m. (CST)

Show closes: March 29, 2026

Pickup of hand-delivered work: March 30, 2026 (AM)

Return shipment of work: April 1, 2026

AWARDS

Juror’s Award: $300 | 1st Runner-up: $200 | 2nd Runner-up: $150

SALES

Artists will receive 60% of the sales price of any work sold. Perspective Gallery will receive a 40% commission on any artwork sold during the exhibition. Perspective Gallery is a not-for-profit cooperative and photography gallery whose purpose is to promote fine art photography. Perspective is located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

ACCEPTED ARTWORK

All accepted work must be framed in a professional manner with hanging wire (no sawtooth hangers). Any alternate hanging system must be approved prior to submitting entry. To help exhibiting international artists, Perspective Gallery will print their work with the cost paid for by the artist. For details, email us at lensexhibition@gmail.com.

SHIPPING ARTWORK

Artwork must be shipped by either UPS or FedEx and include either an account number for return shipping or a prepaid return shipping label. Perspective Gallery will not be responsible for damage occurring during shipment to or from the gallery. Work must be framed using plexiglass, not glass. Work should be shipped in sturdy reusable containers and packed using foam sheets or bubble wrap. Do not use packing peanuts. Shipping boxes must not exceed 60 inches in length. Work exceeding this size must be delivered and picked up in person. Insurance of artwork during transit to and from the gallery is the responsibility of the photographer.  The gallery will insure all works against theft and damage while in the gallery.

SHIP SUBMISSIONS TO:

UPS Store | c/o Perspective Gallery | 848 Dodge Avenue | Evanston, IL 60202

IN-PERSON DELIVERY OF ARTWORK

Photographers may hand deliver their work on February 27, 2026, between 12 and 5 p.m. at Perspective Gallery which is located at 1310 1/2 B Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201.

QUESTIONS

Email: lensexhibition@gmail.com

Website: https://perspectivegallery.org

Application Requirements

ENTRY FEE

There is a $40 (U.S) non-refundable fee for submitting up to five (5) images. The entry fee for work submitted before November 1st, 2025 is $35 (Discount code EARLYBIRD). 

CaFÉ Files Format: 1) File Type: JPEG or JPG only; 2) File Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side; 3) File Size: Under 5 MB; and 4) Color Profile: sRGB

File Naming Protocol: File names should be the title of the work, but not include the artist’s name. Example: Title_of_Work,jpg

Artist Statement: Prepare a short statement (1000 characters) concerning either your work in general or the specific work you are submitting to LENS 2026. Do not include your name in the statement.

Eligibility Criteria

Photographers are invited to submit up to five (5) photographic images in JPEG format which have been created within the past five (5) years. We are not accepting AI images for this call. Open to all artists, national and international.