Winners of City’s Photo Contest Announced
Valdosta Mayor John Gayle announced the winners in the 2012 Valdosta People’s Choice Photo Contest at a special reception held at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, on July 20.
The contest, sponsored by the City of Valdosta and the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts drew in over 100 entries that captured life in Valdosta through photography. Mayor Gayle awarded framed certificates to the first place and honorable mention winners in the five categories, as well as the best of show winners. In addition to the framed certificates, first place and best of show winners received special gift bags.
Lin McMichen received the largest amount of people’s votes for her creativity, originality and for the way she beautifully captured the historic Lowndes County Courthouse through her camera lens AND a wine glass. Her photo taken from atop Steel Magnolia restaurant in Downtown Valdosta titled, “Upside Downtown,” won her the Best of Show award.
This year, the photo contest featured a special voting category for photographers ages 14 and under. Megan Ford won Best of Show for ages 14 and under for her photo of “A Perfect Spot” across from the historic County Courthouse, that she took using her Kodak Easyshare camera.
In addition to the best of show category, the following photographers were recognized for their winning entries:
Lights, Camera, Action (People Expressing Art)
First Place: Lin McMichen, #70 “Backstage Sass”
Honorable Mention: Becky Martin, #21 “Dancer”
Honorable Mention: (Age 14 and Under): McKenzie Ford, #96 “Click!”
Honorable Mention: (Age 14 and Under): Lauren Bass, #42, “Path of Creativity”
Over the Rainbow (This Beautiful City)
First Place: Sally Querin, #64 “Sunset on Lakeshore”
Honorable Mention: Greg Fricker, #76 “Downtown Lights”
Animal House (Furred and Feathered Friends)
First Place: Theresa Alonso, #35 “Adoption”
Honorable Mention: Rose Prince, #48 “Adoptee”
Honorable Mention (Age 14 and Under): Morgan Parrish, #50 “Lizzy”
It Takes a Village (People Living Life)
First Place: Theresa Alonso, #34 “Life for a 2-year-old”
Honorable Mention: Carolyn McMillian, #59 “I Believe…”
Taking Care of Business (A City at Work)
First Place: Carolyn McMillian, # 61“Second Thoughts”
Honorable Mention: Tiffany Christie, #12 “Take Care of Business”
The photos have been on display in the art center’s Tillman Gallery since June 11 and will remain on display through Aug. 1, after which time the above mentioned photos will be part of a traveling photo display. The additional exposure will give credit to the top place winners in this year’s contest and will also allow a greater number of citizens to appreciate the scenic local art. The photos are scheduled to be on display as follows:
Aug. 6-20: City Hall
Aug. 20-Sept. 4: Valdosta Daily Times
Sept. 4-17: Valdosta Mall
Sept .17-Oct. 1: James Rainwater Conference Center
Oct. 1-Oct 15: South Georgia Regional Library
Oct. 15-29: Smith Northview Hospital
Oct. 29-Nov. 12: City of Valdosta Customer Service Center
Nov. 12-26: Valdosta Regional Airport
The photo contest has been sponsored for the past four years by the City of Valdosta and the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. The committee is taking recommendations through the end of August for categories for the 2013 photo contest, and the 2013 contest categories will be revealed by Sept. 30. The deadline for the 5th Annual Valdosta People’s Choice Photo Contest has been set for May 31, 2013. For more information, contact the Public Information Officer Sementha Mathews at(229) 259-3548. To view the winning photos, go to www.valdostacity.com/
