The annual Joy of the Lens exhibit, inaugurated in 2009, features original photographs by current Maine residents, both amateur and professional, aged 16 or older. The three entry categories are: Color, Black & White, and a special “Challenge” posed by the previous year’s winner of the Peoples’ Choice Award. Awards are made in all three categories with an additional Peoples’ Choice Award announced at the close of the exhibit. This signature event is co-sponsored by the Trustees and the Friends of the Topsham Public Library.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL JOY OF THE LENS
March 30, 2026 – April 30, 2026
The 2026 Joy of the Lens exhibit will be hosted in Topsham Public Library’s Crooker Gallery and Highland’s Community Room.
A reception will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1pm and is open to the public. Please join us!
Friends Photo Lottery
In conjunction with the Joy of the Lens show, the Friends will hold the Friends Photo Lottery.
Current members are automatically entered into the drawing. Not a member? Join by Wednesday, April 29th at 6PM and you will be entered into the drawing automatically.
Thank you to Craig Snapp for donating Rusting Away to a Better Bridge.
If you have any questions, please email Kelsie Vosburgh at tplgallery@topshamlibrary.org or call the library at 725-1727.
** Sign up to receive email notifications about the JOY exhibits by clicking here. **
Please note that if you have previously “unsubscribed” from the gallery or Friends emails, you must re-subscribe if you wish to receive any JOY updates via email.
Congratulations to the 2026 Joy of the Lens Award Winners!
COLOR
Winner: Polar Bear Reflection – Mike Cullivan
Honorable Mention: Autumn’s Daughter – Norma Warden
BLACK & WHITE
Winner: Dune with Tree – William Luneberg
Honorable Mention: Sorcerer and Apprentice – Rob Smith
CHALLENGE: NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Emerald Visitor Beside the Milky Way – Jan Koris
Honorable Mention: Baobab Tree Under the Stars – Linda Cullivan
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Polar Bear Reflection – Mike Cullivan