The Numbers, Symbols & Letters by Praxis Gallery competition invites photographers to explore the visual potential of the characters that populate our daily lives. Organized by the renowned Praxis Gallery in Minneapolis, this exhibition seeks images where language shifts into shape and information becomes art.
For photographers scouting for unique photo contests that challenge their compositional skills, this call for entry offers a compelling theme. The gallery is looking for work that isolates, interrupts, or recombines typographic elements, focusing on rhythm and spatial relationships. Whether you capture the accidental poetry of a street sign or the deliberate abstraction of a printed page, this is your chance to have your work curated in a physical gallery setting.
The deadline is approaching, with submissions closing on February 1, 2026. This international juried exhibition is open to all lens-based art, including digital, analog, and alternative processes. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase how you interpret the “visual actors” of our communicative world.
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The Numbers, Symbols & Letters by Praxis Gallery Prizes
The primary reward for this Numbers, Symbols & Letters competition is the opportunity for a physical exhibition at the Praxis Gallery. Up to 74 images will be selected by the juror for the show.
Juror’s Choice Award:
The recipient of this top honor will receive free entry into three future juried calls for entry of their choice. This is a valuable prize for artists looking to maintain momentum in their exhibition schedule.
Directors’ Choice Award:
This winner will be awarded free entry into two future juried calls for entry of their choice.
Honorable Mentions:
Eight Honorable Mentions will be recognized. These artists will be featured in the exhibition, the printed show catalog, and the online exhibit gallery. All selected artists will be included in the gallery’s archive.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
While the contest has a specific subject matter: “Numbers, Symbols, and Letters”, it is technically an open theme regarding genre and style. The organizers explicitly welcome diverse approaches that emphasize the visual form of characters over their literal meaning.
Dates and Entry Fees
The timeline for this Numbers, Symbols & Letters exhibition moves quickly, so be sure to prepare your files before the deadline. Below are the key dates and costs associated with entering.
- Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026 (11:59PM CT).
- Notification of Acceptance: February 12, 2026.
- Exhibition Dates: March 21 – April 11, 2026.
Entry Fees:
- $35.00 for the first 5 images.
- $5.00 for each additional image (up to 10 total images).
Praxis Members receive a benefit of submitting 10 images for the price of 5. Additionally, a limited number of free entries are available for artists experiencing financial hardship (contact the gallery directly for details).
How to Enter
Submissions are accepted digitally through the gallery’s online portal. Images must be saved as JPEG files, with a resolution of 72 ppi and the longest side measuring no more than 1920 pixels. Files should be under 8MB and named according to the format: “ImageTitle_by_FirstName_LastName.jpg”. If selected, artists will have the option to ship their own prints or use the Praxis Printing Service for a fee of $37, which includes printing, matting, and framing.
About the Jury
The entries will be adjudicated by Dallas Crow. A teacher, photographer, and writer based in Atlanta, Crow brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the selection process. His own photographic work has been exhibited internationally, including solo shows at Praxis Gallery and Space Place Gallery in Russia. His background ensures a curation that values both visual impact and narrative depth.
Why Enter Numbers, Symbols & Letters by Praxis Gallery?
Participating in this competition is a strategic move for photographers seeking physical wall space in a respected venue. Praxis Gallery offers the tangible experience of a museum-quality exhibition. The inclusion of a printed show catalog adds a professional credential to your portfolio.
Moreover, as one of the best online photography awards platforms that culminates in a real-world event, it connects you with a physical community of art lovers and collectors. The gallery’s option to handle printing and framing for selected international artists removes the logistical headache of shipping, making it accessible to creators worldwide.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Numbers, Symbols & Letters by Praxis Gallery has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage Rights
Artists retain full copyright of their images. By submitting, you grant Praxis Gallery a non-exclusive right to use accepted images for exhibition display, promotion of the artist and related programs, and inclusion in the online exhibition archives and social media. The artist’s name will always be credited.
General Rules
The competition is open to all artists 18 years or older. Submitted images must not have been exhibited at Praxis Gallery within the past year. If artworks are sold during the exhibition, the gallery takes a 50% commission. The gallery provides frames for all exhibitions to ensure a cohesive look.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
