Once a year, Open Shutter owner Margy Dudley gives valuable space on the walls to allow local photographers a chance to measure up against some of the world’s best.

This year’s community show theme is “The Backyard,” and Open Shutter employee Charlene Geiss said the staff had to cut off the entries at 50 to fit them all.

The show represents 34 local photographers, but in this part of the world, “backyard” takes on a different meaning.

“A lot of people live where the landscape is just breathtaking,” Geiss said.

Also opening tonight will be Mary Ellen Long’s “Journey of an Artist,” a companion photography display to her current exhibit of the same title on display at the Fort Lewis College Art Gallery.

If you go

Open Shutter gallery, 735 Main Ave., will host an opening reception for “The Backyard” community photography show and “Journey of an Artist” by Mary Ellen Long from 5 to 7 p.m. today. Both exhibits will be on display through April 9. Long also will give a free presentation and slide show at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, call 382-8355 or visit www.openshuttergallery.com.