For more than 20 years, this popular annual competition has been devoted to photography as an art form. Open to amateur and professional artists in both traditional film and digital photography, the exhibition’s independent jury panel offers cash prizes in multiple subject categories. 

Through the Eye of the Camera, the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery’s annual juried photography exhibition, returns to provide artist-photographers (amateur and professional) their opportunity to be a part of this continuing and sought-after competitive survey. Traditional and Digital Photography entries will be accepted by advance appointment April 5 through May 5. 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 categories: (1) Animal subjects; (2) Flora & Landscape subjects; (3) People/Portrait subjects; or (4) Open, for subjects that are not included in the three major 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.

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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 may sign up for additional entry appointments. Artists can access the online appointment schedule with all entry information at www.BackusMuseum.org/juried-shows.

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The juried exhibition Through the Eye of the Camera will be on view May 12 through the closing out of the regular season on June 23, 2023, with accepted artists and award winners announced online by Thursday evening, May 11. The opening reception is planned for Friday, May 12 from 6:00-8:00 pm.