In the summer of 2012, Candela Books + Gallery founder Gordon Stettinius launched UnBound! as an invitational exhibition to build community and support artists. From the beginning, Candela has hosted a fundraising effort to allow the gallery to purchase a limited number of works from each summer’s show. The resulting Collection has since grown to over 100 pieces. The mission of the Candela Collection has been to generate opportunities and exposure beyond the traditional group or juried show through the purchase and collection of original photographic work, while also actively pursuing opportunities to donate said work to notable art institutions.

The UnBound! exhibition is now primarily submission-based with only a small selection of invited artists represented. UnBound! aims to present a survey of what photography looks like in the moment, exhibiting 40+ strong works representing a range of concepts, personal and professional backgrounds, and applications of the photographic medium.

Our goal is to raise $13,000 to support artists participating in our 2024 exhibition.