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The Capture the Cache Exhibition is a photography show honoring the beauty, culture, and history of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. The exhibition opens with a one-night only celebration honoring the participants and recognizing influential people who have made a lasting impact on the Poudre River corridor.

Step into an unforgettable evening as we invite you to join us and raise a glass to art, heritage, and those who’ve shaped the Poudre River’s legacy.

Celebratory Reception

Tuesday, June 2 | 5-7 PM

Visit Fort Collins | 1 Old Town Square

Tickets: $30 | Dress Code: Business Casual

Reception Highlights:

  • Gallery Reveal – Be the first to experience a powerful visual of the river.
  • Live Art – Watch a plein air painting come to life before your eyes.
  • Local Sips & Bites – Enjoy complimentary wine and craft beer from local producers, paired with light hors d’oeuvres.
  • Meet the Artists – Mingle with featured photographers creatives.
  • Silent Auction – Bid on plein air artworks and exclusive heritage area experience packages.

Exhibition

Visit Fort Collins | 1 Old Town Square

Following the opening reception, the Capture the Cache Exhibition is open to the public for the remainder of June. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a curious passerby, this is a can’t-miss summer stop in Fort Collins.

What to Expect

  • Free, self-guided viewing in downtown Fort Collins
  • Open daily during business hours after the reception
  • Juried selections and featured works from local photographers

For Photographers: Submit. Show. Shine.

Photographers of all levels are invited to submit their best images capturing the essence of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Share your vision of the Cache NHA for the opportunity to be a part of the exhibition. The Capture the Cache Exhibition invites submissions across yearly evolving categories that reflect the richness of this region.

2026 Categories

Farm-to-Table

Capture the essence of the farm-to-table journey within the National Heritage Area. Your photos might feature any stage of the agricultural process, such as cows munching on grass in a pasture or farm machinery in action. Highlight a scene from the food production process or the atmosphere at a bustling farmers’ market or CSA (community-supported agriculture). Snap a shot of the culinary dining experience, the lively nature of a brewery patio, or the dedicated work of local producers like Hazel Dell Mushrooms. Tell the story of how local produce transitions from farm-to-table in this region.

Nature

Reveal the breathtaking beauty of nature as you perceive it in the National Heritage Area. Your photographs could encompass the serene presence of water, the plethora of wildlife, or a sunrise/sunset. Consider capturing the varied landscapes of the many Natural Areas or raindrops falling on leaves. Each photo should reflect the natural wonders and environments that define this region’s ecology.

Recreation

Illustrate the ways people recreate in the National Heritage Area, including hiking along rugged trails, paddleboarding/kayaking across calm waters, or the exhilaration of rock climbing. Did you spend the day enjoying the sunshine at one the many reservoirs, raft down the Poudre, or take your dog to the river? Those pertain to this category. Your photos should convey the Colorado spirit of outdoor activity.

Submission Guidelines

Additional Information

Terms

Each photographer 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 requirements and terms outlined above.

Photograph Model Release Form

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.

FAQs

  1. What types of artwork is accepted?
    1. We are only accepting photographs.
  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. 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.

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