The Yosemite Renaissance 40 photography and art competition is an annual celebration of creativity, inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region. Organized by the non-profit Yosemite Renaissance, this prestigious event aims to showcase diverse artistic interpretations of nature while encouraging dialogue about environmental conservation.
This year’s exhibit will open at the Yosemite Gateway Art Center in Oakhurst, California, on March 15, 2025, before traveling to several art centers across California through early 2026. With a submission deadline of January 14, 2025, artists from around the globe are invited to enter their works in any visual art medium, including photography, painting, sculpture, and more. The event celebrates its 40th anniversary, cementing its legacy as a platform for inspiring art that connects people to nature and environmental issues.
The competition offers $4,000 in cash prizes, awarded during the exhibit’s opening reception. Submissions must explore themes related to Yosemite or the Sierra Nevada, ranging from the landscapes and wildlife to environmental issues or cultural and historical aspects of the region. This broad thematic scope ensures a place for both traditional and innovative artistic expressions.
Participation involves a straightforward process through SmarterEntry.com, with entry fees starting at $25 for a single piece and discounts for multiple submissions. Artists can enter up to eight pieces, making it accessible for those with extensive portfolios. While the competition focuses on a niche theme, its blend of artistic freedom, cash prizes, and exposure through a traveling exhibit makes it a compelling opportunity for creative professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Yosemite Renaissance 40 prizes
The Yosemite Renaissance 40 offers a total of $4,000 in cash prizes, awarded to selected participants during the opening reception. The precise breakdown of awards has not been disclosed.
In addition to the monetary rewards, participating artists gain unparalleled exposure. Their work will feature in a year-long traveling exhibit, showcased at prominent California art centers, reaching diverse audiences and expanding their professional visibility. The competition’s emphasis on innovation and storytelling ensures that winners’ works resonate with environmental and artistic communities alike.
For those looking to explore more opportunities, visit our curated best photo contests to enter, featuring a variety of contests for photographers and artists worldwide.
The categories of the Yosemite Renaissance 40
The Yosemite Renaissance 40 does not divide submissions into strict categories, fostering creativity across all visual art forms. Artists can submit works in any medium, including:
- Photography (traditional and digital)
- Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.)
- Sculpture
- Mixed Media
- Glass, Fiber, and Ceramics
- Printmaking and Drawing
The competition emphasizes subject matter related to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada, allowing interpretations of landscapes, wildlife, cultural themes, and environmental issues. Whether representational or abstract, traditional or modern, all works are welcome, provided they align with the geographical and thematic focus.
This inclusive approach encourages entries from a wide range of artists, whether their expertise lies in technical mastery or experimental techniques.
Yosemite Renaissance 40 dates and entry fees
Participating in Yosemite Renaissance 40 is straightforward, with submission and payment handled entirely through SmarterEntry.com. Here are the key details:
- Submission Deadline: January 14, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: February 15, 2025
- Exhibition Opening: March 15, 2025 (Yosemite Gateway Art Center, Oakhurst, CA)
- Traveling Exhibit Duration: May 2025–February 2026
Entry Fees:
- 1st entry: $25
- 2nd–4th entries: $15 each
- 5th–8th entries: $10 each
Artists may submit up to eight entries, making it an affordable option for those with multiple works to showcase.
The Yosemite Renaissance 40 competition is a premier platform for artists inspired by nature and conservation. With its focus on Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, this event offers participants a chance to celebrate the natural world while raising awareness of environmental and cultural issues.
With cash prizes, a traveling exhibit, and opportunities for recognition, Yosemite Renaissance 40 is an excellent opportunity to showcase your art and support the preservation of our natural heritage.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
