Attention all photographers, Czech culture enthusiasts, and lovers of Texas history! The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) is thrilled to announce our highly anticipated 2025 Calendar Photo Contest. This isn’t just any photo competition – it’s a unique opportunity to capture the essence of Czech Texas through your lens and share it with the world.

A Visual Journey Through Czech-Texan Heritage

We’re on an exciting quest to uncover captivating images that truly encapsulate the spirit of Czech Texas. From the vibrant colors of traditional festivals and the intricate details of historic architecture to the serene beauty of Czech-settled landscapes, we want to see it all. This contest is your chance to showcase the rich tapestry of Czech-Texan culture that has been woven into the fabric of our great state.

But this contest is about more than just stunning photography. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the visual narrative of Czech heritage in Texas. Your images will help tell the story of the Czech immigrants who came to Texas seeking a better life, and how their culture has flourished and evolved over generations. Whether you’re a professional photographer with years of experience or an amateur with a passion for Czech culture and a good eye, we want to see Texas through your Czech-inspired lens.

What We’re Looking For

1. Traditional Czech-Texan Festivals: Capture the joy and vibrancy of events like the Westfest or the National Polka Festival in Ennis. Show us the swirling dancers, the colorful kroje (traditional Czech costumes), and the lively atmosphere that makes these festivals unique.
2. Historic Architecture: Showcase the beautiful painted churches of Fayette County or other Czech-inspired buildings. From the intricate frescoes to the unique architectural details, we want to see what makes these structures special.
3. Czech-Texan Cuisine: From kolaches to klobásníky, show us the mouth-watering world of Czech-Texan food. Capture the skill of bakers shaping dough, the golden crust of freshly baked pastries, or the joy of families sharing traditional meals.
4. Natural Beauty: Highlight the landscapes of areas with strong Czech heritage, like the rolling hills of Fayette County or the prairies of Ellis County. Show us how the land has shaped Czech-Texan communities and vice versa.
5. Modern Czech-Texan Life: Show us how Czech traditions are being kept alive by new generations of Texans. Capture young people learning traditional crafts, families celebrating Czech holidays, or modern interpretations of Czech customs.
6. Portraits of Czech-Texans: Put a face to the community by capturing portraits of Czech-Texans, from the eldest members sharing stories of their ancestors to the youngest learning about their heritage.
7. Czech-Texan Artifacts: Photograph meaningful objects that tell the story of Czech immigration and settlement in Texas. This could include family heirlooms, tools used by early settlers, or items in local museums.

Contest Details and Prizes

The stakes are high, and the rewards are exciting! Winning photographs will be featured in our 2025 calendar, providing a year-round celebration of Czech-Texan culture. Imagine your photograph hanging in homes across Texas and beyond, sparking conversations about Czech heritage and inspiring people to learn more about this important part of Texas history.

Prizes for winning entries include:

• Grand Prize: Your photo on the calendar cover, a $500 cash prize, and a VIP tour of TCHCC
• Monthly Winners: Your photo featured for one month in the calendar, a $100 cash prize, and a one-year membership to TCHCC
• Honorable Mentions: Your photo included in a special collage page in the calendar and a TCHCC merchandise package

All winning photographers will be recognized at a special calendar launch event, where they’ll have the opportunity to share the stories behind their images.

How to Participate

We’ll be announcing the full contest rules, submission guidelines, and deadlines soon. In the meantime, start exploring the rich world of Czech Texas with your camera in hand. Visit local Czech festivals, explore Czech-settled communities, and talk to Czech-Texans about their heritage. Every image tells a story, and we can’t wait to see the stories you’ll tell through your photographs.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Research Czech-Texan history to understand the significance of what you’re photographing
2. Seek permission when photographing individuals or private property
3. Consider the play of light and shadow to create mood in your images
4. Try to capture candid moments that convey genuine emotion
5. Don’t be afraid to get creative – we’re interested in both traditional and contemporary interpretations of Czech-Texan culture

Join Us in Celebrating Czech-Texan Heritage

Let’s work together to make the 2025 TCHCC calendar a true reflection of our vibrant Czech-Texan community. This is more than just a contest – it’s a celebration of our shared heritage and a way to ensure that the unique culture of Czech Texas is preserved and shared for years to come.

Get your cameras ready, and stay tuned for more details. Together, we’ll create a stunning visual journey through the heart of Czech Texas!