Illuminance is a biennial national competitive photography exhibition presented by the Fine Arts Program at the Buddy Holly Center; the exhibition reflects the program’s commitment to promoting contemporary visual arts and providing meaningful educational opportunities for the community.

This year’s theme, Darkness After Light, explores the transition from light into shadow and the emotional range found within that shift—from mystery and tension to calm and quiet serenity. The exhibition invites viewers to look more closely, using imagination to complete each visual narrative and consider the power that emerges after the light fades. Artists working in all photographic methods and processes are represented, offering a wide range of perspectives and techniques. The exhibition features work by 33 artists and more than 65 works from across the country.

The exhibition was juried by Steve Goff, a retired Professor and former Program Head of Photography at Odessa College, who has taught since 1984 and brings decades of experience as both an educator and exhibiting artist. He holds a B.F.A. and M.F.A. from Ohio University and has taught at institutions including the Maine Photographic Workshops, Lakeland Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, and Cleveland State University. Goff is the recipient of prestigious fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance/National Endowment for the Arts, and he represented fellowship recipients at Mois de la Photo in Paris, France. He maintains an extensive exhibition record, continues to lead workshops throughout the region, and was recently honored with the 2025 Honored Educator Award from the Society for Photographic Education South Central Region. He currently serves as President of the Texas Photographic Society and sits on the Board of Odessa Arts.

Illuminance opens with a public reception on May 29 from 6–8 PM. Visitors are invited to attend, meet participating artists, listen to a gallery talk with juror Steve Goff, and experience this compelling exhibition.

Open May 29-July 26, 2026.

Best of Show Alex Stoll Cormorants Night Fishing

First Place – Greg Davis: Purification

Second Place – Jim Geitgey: Last Light

Third Place – Don Toothaker: A Change is Gonna Come

Honorable Mention – Shari Hunt: Ice Blocks in the Forest

Honorable Mention – Kathleen Mahoney: Terlingua Cemetery

Honorable Mention – Ashton Thornhill: Greenbelt Moon After Snow