Photo Credit: Kelli Kohler

Hosted by the James J. Richey Gallery in the Lakewood Civic Center

and organized in partnership with

Lakewood Community Sustainability, Climate, and Zero Waste 

Join the Wildlife Photography Exhibition!  Exploring Lakewood's Natural Beauty!

Calling all photography enthusiasts and nature lovers! We invite you to be a part of something special – an exhibition that celebrates the vibrant wildlife of Lakewood, Colorado. This exhibition welcomes Lakewood residents of all ages and skill levels – from seasoned professionals to casual amateurs. It's your chance to shine a spotlight on the wild beauty that graces our city.

Our mission is simple yet profound – to increase awareness and appreciation for the remarkable animals and natural environments that contribute to the charm of Lakewood. By sharing everyday images of local wildlife, we aim to inspire sustainability not only within Lakewood but also in the larger world. By highlighting the beauty of our local wildlife, we hope to foster a deeper connection to nature and encourage responsible living.

Whether you're using a smartphone, a point-and-shoot, or a professional camera, your nature images have the power to tell stories of Lakewood's diverse wildlife, amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, and reptiles. From the tiniest larvae to the majestic adults, we welcome all life stages, respectfully portrayed. Imagine a world where the click of your camera could make a difference – where your photographs showcase the marvels of nature and inspire a sustainable future!

Wildlife of Lakewood moves this year to the James J. Richey Gallery, a three-times-larger gallery space in the lobby of the Lakewood Civic Center, across the plaza from the Lakewood Cultural Center. This is an auspicious change for this year, as the greater Denver area is celebrating the Month of Photography this March. The month-long photography celebration is well publicized, and Lakewood is holding several special photography events that will draw people to the galleries at LCC.

Eligibility: Residents of Lakewood, Colorado, are invited to participate, regardless of age or photography background. Submitted photographs must have been taken in Lakewood since January 1, 2025. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the release form during artwork drop-off.

Inclusivity and Selection: We value diversity and aim to include works from all artists. Submissions will be thoughtfully reviewed by a panel, including Lakewood curators and guest jurors, ensuring quality and relevance. Please note that not all submitted works may be included due to factors such as curation and space limitations.

Submission Guidelines:

• Artists can submit up to four works via the Submission Form.

• Submitted photos must be in a well-constructed frame, or a glass/metal/solid substrate ready-to-hang print. Write your name and the photo's title on the back of the photo's frame. 

• Frame dimensions should be no larger than 30” in width, ready for hanging with appropriate hardware. Ready to hang means that the frame has hardware on the back to hold it securely in place from a nail in the wall. IMPORTANT – ANY FRAME WITHOUT PROPER HARDWARE WILL BE REFUSED AT DROP-OFF.

• Delivered photos must be physical prints matching the digital submission.

• Offering your photos for sale during the exhibition is optional and up to the photographer. Lakewood Cultural Center will retain a 15% commission on all works sold, and Sustainable Eiber will be allocated 10% as a donation for a total of 25%. It is the artist’s responsibility to collect and remit local and state sales taxes for any work sold.

• By submitting your work, you agree to our use of your photograph. Photographs you submit will only be used for the following purposes: the exhibition, an online photo gallery, a video slideshow for public viewing, and the exhibit’s promotional materials.

Photo File Specifications for submission.

• File image format: .jpg

• File size: Not exceeding 10MB

• Rename your files like this: WOL-First Name Last Name-Title of Photo-Width x Height 

   e.g., WOL-Sam Smith-Friendly Squirrel-8x10

Submission Timeline:

• Submission Deadline: Sunday, January 31st, 2027 (midnight)

• Artist Notification: Week of February 1st, 2027

• Exhibition Dates: February 27 - March 27, 2027

Ready to Submit? Use this online Submission Form.

Photo Drop Off and Pick Up: Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy

• Drop Off: Saturday, February 20th, 2027, between 10:00am-11:30pm.

• Pick Up: Saturday, March 27th, 2027, between 10:00am-11:30pm.

• If you are not available on these dates, email us at WildlifeOfLakewood@gmail.com, and we'll arrange an alternative.

Our Partners:

• Lakewood Cultural Center: A thriving artistic hub offering a range of creative experiences. https://lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Arts-and-Culture/Lakewood-Cultural-Center

• Sustainable Neighborhoods Program - Lakewood: Fostering sustainable communities through workshops and projects. https://sustainableneighborhoodnetwork.org/sustainable-neighborhoods-lakewood

• Lakewood Community Resources: Preserving green spaces and promoting environmental education. https://lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Parks-Forestry-and-Open-Space

By participating, you're contributing to a deeper understanding of the world around us. Let's capture the beauty of Lakewood's wildlife, one photograph at a time. Your lens, our world, a brighter future.

Have Questions? Drop us a line at WildlifeOfLakewood@gmail.com – we're here to help.

 Sponsored by Sustainable Eiber: https://SustainableEiber.org