Among the participants in this year's ImageMakers photography exhibition are, front, from left, Asiyah Brown, De'Quavious Brooks, Storm Mackenzie, Laiyla Grant, Lakiyah Page, Ironeshia Jackson, and back, from left, Jade Vivas, Shatrya King and Daniela Hernandez.
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 levels. The photographs in this exhibit are the result of six photo outing/training sessions. Thirteen Boys and Girls Club members participated and were mentored by members of NPA. William Nieberding, assistant professor in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art, juried the show.
Categories and winners included: Nature and Surroundings – Malaya Jackson, first place; Shatrya King, second place; Storm Mackenzie, third place. Portraits – Ironeshia Jackson, first place; Ja’Christopher Benton, second place; Lakiyah Page, third place. Culture – Jade Vivas, first place; Aniya Jackson, second place; Shatrya King, third place. Malaya Jackson’s entry was also named “Best in Show.”
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. The exhibition can be seen during the Texas Blueberry Festival. For more information about this exhibition and others, call (936) 468-1131.
