r
A new event this year at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University utilizes the photographer’s eye as a means of sharing nature and the arts. The three-day event, christened The Art in Nature Photograph Festival, has invited youth, amateur, and professional photographers of all skill levels to enter photographic entries in a competition that will culminate with an exhibition of the winning prints.
The weekend kicks off Friday with an opening reception and keynote speaker. According to Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art Events Coordinator Eric Turner, Saturday and Sunday the public is invited to shop for fine art photography from vendors and also has the ability to buy, sell or trade used and new specialty photography equipment. A number of photography workshops and seminars will also be offered including: a Lightroom 3 seminar, a macro photography seminar, a Chincoteague NWR sunset workshop, along with local “field trips” to spots such as the Salisbury Zoo to further refine animal life photography skills.
“The Art in Nature Photography Festival is a natural progression of the museum's activities,” explains the museum's Executive Director Lora Bottinelli. “For several years we have been involving nature photographers in our educational programs and exhibitions with much success. Photographers' creative experience outdoors parallels the experience of other artists inspired by nature. The Ward Museum cele ates the art, nature, and tradition, and we welcome people to discover and explore these themes at the Art in Nature Photography Festival.”
The competition is divided into three divisions: professional, amateur, and youth. More than $3,500 in prizes and awards will be given out to winners. Explains Turner, “There will be five categories in each division, and they are: birds, plants and animals other than birds, landscape/scenery, threatened wildlife and/or environments, and macro photography. Awards will be given for the best in youth, best in category for both professional and amateur, best in division for professional and amateur, and a grand prize. The awards and prizes include ribbons (first, second, third in category pro/am and first, second, third in youth), photo gear, gift certificates, and photography workshops. Additionally, a peoples' choice award will also be awarded.”
The photo contest will be judged by professional photographers Brian Zwit, Dean Peterson, and Gary Marine, and the judging will occur Saturday evening, with the winners being announced on Sunday. The winning photographs will be framed and hung in the galleries for three months, to enable the public to enjoy them over an extended period of time.
r
Schedule of Events:
Friday
10 a.m – 5 p.m. Galleries open; regular admission fee
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration
5 – 7 p.m. Opening reception with keynote speaker
Saturday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Galleries open; regular admission fee
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lectures and demonstrations TBA
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Photography Marketplace
5 – 8 p.m. Judging (not open to public)
Sunday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Galleries open; regular admission fee
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lectures and demonstrations TBA
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Photography Marketplace
