This portrait by Garrett Schmid earned the “Best of Show” award in the Nacogdoches Boys & Girls Club’s ImageMakers photography exhibition, which opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.
The exhibit was organized by the Nacogdoches Photographic Association and funded through a Community Outdoor Program grant provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife and administered by the gardens education staff at Stephen F. Austin State University, according to Elton Scifres, NPA member.
ImageMakers is a national program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to encourage members to learn and practice various photography methods, Scifres explained.
“The ultimate purpose is to provide children the opportunity to express themselves creatively, build confidence and learn new skills,” he said.
Winners in various categories in the local show will advance to competitions at the regional and national level. The photographs in this exhibit are the result of nine photo outing/training sessions. Twelve Boys and Girls club members participated and were mentored by six members of NPA as well as SFA Gardens staff members. The final pictures were selected by a panel of three judges: NPA members Connie Thompson and Ron Thill and Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Partain.
Categories and winners included: Nature and Surrounding – Nesha Cowart, first place; Alondra Martinez, second place. Portraits – Garrett Schmid, first place; Zayriah Davis, second place. Culture and Tradition – Daniella Hernandez, first place; Masiyah Cross, second place. Schmid’s portrait was also named “Best of Show” winner, and he was awarded a camera donated by the NPA. All other winners received trophies.
The exhibition will be on display through Aug. 29. The reception is free to the public. The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. Gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information about this exhibition and others, call (936) 468-1131.
