Conservation Foundation Opens Virtual exhibit of Inaugural Summer Photo Contest

OSPREY, FL (June 24, 2020) Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast announces the juried selections and winners for its inaugural Summer Photo Contest exhibit. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit their original work showcasing the beauty of Florida’s natural lands to be considered for exhibition. Jury members included presenting sponsor, Elizabeth Moore; noted photographer, Cliff Roles; noted photographer, Stephen B. White; and executive director of Art Center Sarasota, Lisa Berger. Nearly 200 entries were received for consideration and jurors assessed the entries for composition, color, contrast, overall quality, as well as subject interest, originality, and ability to tell a story. Fifty photographs were selected for the exhibit and jurors awarded a winner in each category as well as a Best-In-Show. The exhibit may be viewed at conservationfoundation.com/photo or by visiting Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast on Facebook.

The category winners are:

·         In Love with the Land: Sunset Puppy Love by Omar Santiago

·         The Wonder of Water: Mossy Calm by Beverly Eaton

·         Backyard Beauty: Love in the Firebush by Claire Matturo

·         Up Close and Personal: “Did That Really Happen?!” by Gunilla Imshaug

·         Youth Perspective Category Winner: You Looking at Me? by Jake Turner

·         Best in Show: “Did That Really Happen?!” by Gunilla Imshaug

People’s Choice voting will take place June 15 through August 15 on the Conservation Foundation Facebook page. At the end of the Facebook voting period, the photo with the most likes/loves in each category will be deemed the People’s Choice Category Winner. The image with the most likes/loves will be the overall People’s Choice Winner. All voting will take place on Facebook and the likes/loves must be on the original image in the Conservation Foundation 2020 Summer Photo Contest gallery in order to be counted.

Congratulations to all the photographers whose work was selected for this year’s exhibit!

About Conservation Foundation

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.  Working with landowners, businesses, and government, Conservation Foundation saves land forever, protecting those special natural lands that make this region extraordinary. A nationally accredited land trust, Conservation Foundation purchases natural areas, holds land conservation agreements and educates for responsible land and water stewardship in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties.  Learn more and join in our mission at www.conservationfoundation.com