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The Capture the Cache Exhibition has been revitalized with a fresh new vibe, expanding to all forms of art! We will be accepting submissions of photographs and artwork celebrating the natural beauty, culture, and heritage of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. An Opening Reception will kickstart the month-long exhibit.

Competition Submissions: The portal is open until Sunday, May 4, 2025!

  • Participants will submit pieces to three different categories: agriculture, community, and weather
  • Entrants may submit up to three pieces per category for consideration on one Entry Form.
  • Photos must be taken within the boundaries of the Cache NHA (map). There is some flexibility (at the discretion of Cache NHA) if the photo was taken in one of the surrounding communities, which include Bellvue, Laporte, Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor and Greeley.
  • From submissions, up to 30 pieces will be selected for the Exhibition.
  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Open to visitors and residents alike.

Opening Reception: Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd at the Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm! Tickets are limited so reserve yours now!

This juried art show will showcase local photography and artwork. This year’s theme honors the fusion of art and heritage tourism, featuring pieces from the competition categories. Be among the first to witness these stunning creations and celebrate with the artists as awards for the exhibition are announced live. This will not be your average Tuesday night as you experience the beauty of the Poudre River corridor through art!

Event Highlights:

  • Plein Air Demonstrations: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of artistry as you witness a live outdoor painting demonstration, where the essence of the subject and the dance of light are captured in the moment.
  • Live Music: Delight in the melodic offerings of a local musician, who will weave enchanting sounds to enhance an evening of artistic connection.
  • Connect and Celebrate: Gather with local artists and community members who share a deep appreciation for the river corridor and its rich heritage. The evening will honor the winners of the art competition and celebrate the legacy of the heritage area in a lively atmosphere. Exhibit pieces will be available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Heritage Area Experience Packages: Exclusive to the opening reception attendees, bid on specially curated packages designed to elevate your exploration of the heritage area. A treasure trove awaits, filled with delights for adventurers, culinary enthusiasts, and seekers of wonder!
  • Hors d’oeuvres and drinks are included in the ticket price, ensuring a feast for the senses.
  • Artists and photographers selected for the Exhibit will receive 1 complimentary ticket to the Opening Reception!

About the Exhibit: Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be free and open to the public June 4th-29th. All artwork and photography included in the exhibit highlights the natural beauty, culture, and heritage of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Artists and photographers included in this exhibition receive compensation for their work.

2025 Categories

  • Agriculture
    • This category could include, but is not limited to, agricultural landscapes, equipment, history of agriculture, farm animals, farmers, farmers markets, produce, and farm tours.
  • Community
    • This category could include, but is not limited to, community events, pets, pet friendly places, gatherings, and recreation (biking, rafting, hiking, etc).
  • Weather
    • This category could include sunrise/sunset, lightening, clouds, rain, and much more.

Competition Rules

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to any amateur or professional photographer or artist except Cache NHA employees and board members, jurors and members of their immediate families. Entrants must be at least 16 years of age to participate. The competition is open to residents and visitors alike.

Artwork Specifications

  • Photography and artwork submitted must align with one or more of the following categories: agriculture, community, and weather.
  • Photography must be taken within the boundaries of Cache NHA, and artwork must be inspired by the nature, culture, and heritage of Cache NHA.
  • We welcome artwork in any medium including painting, glass, pottery, textiles, drawing, printmaking, digital art, mixed media, etc.
  • Photography taken with drones must follow applicable local ordinances and FFA guidelines.

Submission Guidelines

  • Submissions must be made digitally through our designated platform by May 2, 2025. Photographs and artwork must both be submitted digitally, either the original photographs or photographs of the artwork. Images can be in color or black and white. Images must be a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) and no smaller than 3072 x 2304 pixels (or 10.24 x 7.68 inches). Images should be in RGB color format and be submitted as JPG (at high quality) or PNG. Do not resample small files to fit requirements, as it will compromise the quality of the image. Images can be horizontal or vertical.
  • Each photographer or artist may submit up to three pieces per category for consideration. Maximum entry is nine submissions per photographer/artist. All pieces will be submitted on one Entry Form.
  • Each submission must be accompanied by a title and medium.
  • Each submission must be labeled FirstName_LastName_Category_SubmissionNumber. For example, John_Smith_Agriculture_1
  • Each photograph must specify the location within the Cache NHA the photograph was taken.
  • Each piece of artwork will include its dimensions, briefly describe how the piece is inspired by the nature, culture, and heritage of Cache NHA, and include a commission price of $25-$100 of the artist’s choosing.

Submission Fees and Commission

  • Entry fee $0
  • Photographers will receive a $25 commission for each image selected for exhibition.
  • Artists will receive a commission for each piece selected for exhibition based on the commission price listed in the submission.
  • The photography and artwork included in the exhibition will be available for sale during the exhibition. Sales and unsold pieces will be retained by the organization in charge of the event.

Notification of Acceptance

  • Photographers and artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified via email by May 16.
  • Each photographer and artist whose work has been selected for the exhibition will receive an invitation to an opening reception.

Jury Process

  • Cache NHA will select photographs and artwork to be included in the exhibition at its sole discretion.
  • A panel of jurors will award first, second, and third place for each category (agriculture, community, and weather) as well as an overall Best of Show. Awards will be in the form of a ribbon and/or certificate. All award decisions will be final.

Delivery and Return of Artwork

Accepted artworks must be securely packed and delivered ready for installation. The artist is responsible for the timely delivery of artwork to the venue. Cache NHA will be responsible for the printing and display of photographs on exhibit. All items will have received a commission and will not be returned at the conclusion of the exhibit.

Model Release

Photos containing recognizable people must be accompanied by a model release form (available under Photo Release) signed by the subject or a parent or legal guardian, if subject is under 18 years of age.

Terms

Each photographer/ artist will retain all rights to any image submitted – including ownership if applicable – other than those rights licensed in the next sentence. By entering the contest, each photographer hereby grants to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (i) a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to reproduce, sell reproductions, distribute, publicly display the images submitted to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and (ii) the right to use the photographer’s/artists name, city and state of residence in promotions and other publications. Photographs and artwork, regardless of the medium, will not be returned. The winning images with appropriate credit will appear on the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area website, social media channels and upcoming printed materials.

Photos containing recognizable people must be accompanied by a model release form signed by the subject or a parent or legal guardian, if the subject is under 18 years of age.

Submission to this call for entry constitutes acceptance of all the artist requirements and terms outlined above.

Additional Information

FAQs

  1. What types of artwork is accepted?
    1. We are accepting all mediums.
  2. How many pieces can I submit?
    1. Entrants can submit 3 pieces per category for a total of 9 pieces total. All pieces will be submitted on one Entry Form.
  3. How will I know if my pieces have been selected for the Exhibition?
    1. Photographers and artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified via email by May 16.
  4. Will the art be available for purchase?
    1. All pieces included in the exhibition will be available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis throughout the month of June.
  5. When and how can I pick up art pieces I purchased?
    1. Art and photography purchases can be picked up at the conclusion of the Exhibit. A Cache NHA representative will be in touch to coordinate a pickup time.
  6. Who do I contact regarding questions about the Capture the Cache Exhibition submissions and event?
    1. Please contact Rylyn Todd (rtodd@poudreheritage.org) with any questions.