Holland, Michigan: Resthaven Care Center, a Holland-based, not-for-profit senior living provider is excited to announce the third edition of “Bringing the Outside, In” a photography competition and exhibit. The primary focus of this exhibit is to enhance the quality of life and experience for Resthaven Care Center residents by showcasing photographs that evoke memories, encourage conversations, and create connections. Additionally, it seeks to offer local photographers an opportunity for recognition and appreciation for their contributions to this meaningful initiative. After an increase of over 25% in submissions and photographer participation from the inaugural competition, we are looking forward to what this year’s competition will bring!
The 2026 exhibit theme is “The Best Shots from My Staycation”. Ideally, images will represent and capture the beauty and joy of the wonderful locations and events of West Michigan. While the theme does not exclude the many amazing views of Michigan, we encourage the submission of more local landscapes, points of interest, events, and places of familiarity in Southwest Michigan (Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Kent, Van Buren, Barry, Newago, Berrien, Oceana and Kalamazoo counties). Subject examples include your favorite Lake Michigan beach, the vibrant colors of Tulip Time, wildlife from an afternoon hike, a sunset from one of our amazing piers, the dancing flames of a campfire, or a peaceful snowy scene from winter.
The 2026 exhibit will again be a juried show with Steve Huyser-Honing, local photographer and owner of Grand River Giclee, serving as judge for the competition. Steve is a self-taught photographer focusing on Michigan’s diverse natural beauty. As a photographer, he is drawn to bold colors, simple lines, and the careful composition of each capture. Examples of his work can be found on his website. Grand Rapids Giclee is a premier local shop for fine printing and has been providing the amazing canvas prints for the past exhibits. Steve works with many photographers in the community, and we are excited to have his skill and expertise as this year’s judge.
Resthaven will be accepting digital submissions for the exhibit February 1-28, 2026. There is no submission/entry fee and Resthaven covers printing costs of the exhibit. There will be 20 photographs selected for a curated exhibit with an additional 15 images selected for a gallery exhibit. Of the selected photographs there will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Judge’s Choice with prizes of $200.00, $150.00, and $100.00 respectively and a People’s Choice winner with prize of $150.00. All selected exhibit and gallery photographs will be displayed with photographer recognition. An exhibit unveiling event is planned for mid-April 2026. For more details, specific competition and exhibit rules, and submission instructions, download the Photo Exhibit Rules and Guidelines or email photos@resthaven.org.