Photography contest brings a smile to the faces of judges and winners

Katie Hightower

he Scottsboro Three Arts Club held its 51st annual Art in the Park event on Sept. 1 at King Caldwell Park in Scottsboro. Thousands of people attended the event with over 100 vendors. From artwork and authors to music and foods, it was a day full smiles and sensory immersion as people took in the many sights, sounds and smells the surroundings had to offer. 

One part of the event that has stood out each year was the amateur photography contest. This year, the contest had over 100 entries from amateur photographers in the area. The submitted photos were hung on lines secured to trees in the park behind the Will Maples Girl Scout Cabin. The club used a blind-judging technique so no names were visible on the photographs. Professional photographers judged the anonymous photos that were divided into six age groups. They used their own photography experience to evaluate the photos by difficulty, subject matter and artistry. 

The judges hung ribbons in the sleeves with the winning pictures. Each division had first, second and third place winners. There were also honorable mentions for each division.

In the Grades K-4 Division, first place went to Anna Friederick for her picture of a butterfly. Adleigh Howton won second place for her picture of turtles. Karson Stilwell’s picture of a cat won third place and Autumn Garner earned an honorable mention for her picture of a dog.

In the Grades 5-8 Division, Killette Brickley won first place for her picture of a spider. Second place went to Kasem Roden for his picture of his dad planting a magnolia tree with his little brother. Roden also earned an honorable mention for his picture of a butterfly. Nate Batzs won third place for his picture of a boat dock.

In the Grades 9-12 Division, Kasem Peyton earned first place with a sunset picture. Second place went to Katlin Wise with her Ferris wheel picture. Caitlyn Langella won third place and an honorable mention with her pictures of roses and a covered bridge.

In the Adult Ages 19-35 Division, first place went to April Ivey for her picture of a tulip. Emily Mollerstven won second and third places with her pictures of a child and kittens. Latoya Stifle earned an honorable mention with her picture of cicadas.

In the Adult Ages 36-50 Division, Robby Saint earned first place with his picture of a child hitting a baseball. Ariane Hart earned second place with her cicada picture. Cassie Robinson earned third place with a picture of a flower at a lighthouse. Christa Ledwell’s picture of a child with a watermelon earned an honorable mention.

In the Adult Ages 51 and Up Division, Johnny McCrary won first place with his picture of a plane crossing the moon. Second place went to Beverly Precise for her picture of a bicycle. Tim Watts earned third place and an honorable mention with his pictures of a concert and a smoker.

First place winners in the youth divisions won digital cameras. Second and third place youth winners won gift cards. Adult first, second and third place winners received gift cards. All entries received free admission to Art in the Park.

For more information about Scottsboro’s Three Arts Club, please visit, www.scottsboro3artsclub.com.