Open Lens XVI
Calling All Photographers! Weekend photographers or professionals, youngsters or seniors, digital or film, color or black and white; all genres, the only exception being AI generated* imagery. All are invited to enter Open Lens XVI, the annual juried fine art photography exhibition hosted by Gallery Seven in downtown Lockport IL.
The show will run from June 4th through July 12th, 2026. The call for entries begins April 1st and runs through April 30th. So sort through your image library, choose your best images and send them to us by the end of April. Submission is by digital files only.
Open Lens XVI will be juried and judged by the artist partners of Gallery Seven. Anyone can enter up to 5 original images for a non-refundable fee of $35. Best in Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and three Honorable Mentions will be awarded a cash prize.
Access the prospectus and entry form on-line or stop by the gallery and pick up a paper copy. You may phone for information at 815.260.8800 or e-mail galleryseven2026@gmail.com .
Gallery Seven is operated by a group of artists who volunteer their time and talent to provide the community with the opportunity to view world class art exhibited locally. The gallery will celebrate the completion of 19 years of bringing exciting artwork to the southwestern suburbs with the opening of this exhibit on June 4th. Regular business hours are noon to 5:00pm Thursday through Saturday and noon to 3:00pm on Sundays. All art exhibited at Gallery Seven is for sale. Admission to the gallery is always free and open to the public. We look forward to your visit.
IMPORTANT DATES
April 1 through April 30, 2026 - Submission of images; Please send digital files via email ONLY
of the images you are submitting in the form of jpeg files to galleryseven2026@gmail.com.
(see file specifications below)
**PLEASE NOTE: We DO NOT accept prints, including matted or framed prints for jurying as they cannot
be viewed by the jury in a timely manner. Prints dropped off at the gallery for jurying will not be accepted.
We ONLY accept jpeg formatted images submitted via email.
April 30: Open Lens XVI submissions close at Midnight.
May 3 through 7: Jury of submitted images.
May 9 & 10: Notification of selected images, via email.
May 28 through 31: Delivery of selected photographs during regular gallery hours.
We use a drop off and pick up schedule; the artists will select their best time to drop off / pick up art work.
June 4: Open Lens XVI opens.
June 13: Artists Reception 6:00 to 8:00pm: Meet the Artists, Awards Presentation at 6:00pm.
July 12: Open Lens XVI closes.
July 16 through 19: Pick-up of photographs during regular gallery hours.