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Cumberland Today
By the People, for the People
Call for Entries in Appalachian Nature Art & Photography Competition
Artists and photographers in the Appalachian region invited to submit work for exhibition and prizes.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The Appalachian Nature Art & Photography Competition & Exhibition, organized by the Arcadian Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland, is accepting entries from artists and photographers age 18 and older who reside in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or Washington, DC. The competition features categories for best of show, best landscape, best living thing, and people's choice, with cash prizes for the winners.
Why it matters
This competition celebrates the natural beauty of the Appalachian region through artistic expression, providing a platform for regional artists and photographers to showcase their talents. The exhibition also aims to raise funds for conservation efforts through a portion of commission sales.
The details
Eligible artwork includes any two-dimensional art or photography depicting nature in Appalachia, such as landscapes, plants, wildlife, and other natural subjects. The competition is juried, with Terry Miller judging the art entries and Steven David Johnson judging the photography entries. The gallery will host an in-person exhibition of the selected works, and 10% of commission sales during the exhibition will be donated to a conservation cause chosen by the jurors.
- The gallery started accepting entries on January 30, 2026.
- The deadline for entries is April 6, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- The opening reception will be held on Friday, May 16, 2026 at the Arcadian Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland.
- The exhibition will continue through June 20, 2026.
The players
Arcadian Gallery
The Arcadian Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland is organizing the Appalachian Nature Art & Photography Competition & Exhibition.
Terry Miller
The juror for the art entries in the competition.
Steven David Johnson
The juror for the photography entries in the competition.
Christopher Sloan
The owner and former Art Director of National Geographic, who is overseeing the organization of the competition.
What they’re saying
“This competition and exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of the Appalachian region through artistic expression.”
— Christopher Sloan, Owner and Former Art Director, Arcadian Gallery (Arcadian Gallery Press Release)
What’s next
The jurors will select the winning entries in each category, which will be announced at the opening reception on May 16, 2026.
The takeaway
The Appalachian Nature Art & Photography Competition provides a platform for regional artists and photographers to showcase their talents and raise awareness of the natural wonders of the Appalachian region, while also supporting conservation efforts through a portion of commission sales.
