The Fourth Annual Faces of Evanston photography contest, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Evanston, gets an early start this year. The contest opens May 15 and will run until August 15.
“The early schedule is due to our opportunity to display the winning photos at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in early September,” said Dr. Stamata Blanas, creator of the contest and president-elect of the sponsoring organization. “The popularity of the contest has grown exponentially each year,” Blanas explained. “Each year we have had additional entries and the cooperation of so many venues in Evanston has meant that more people have seen and taken note of the contest.” Blanas also announced that the winning entries from the past three years will be housed at the Evanston History Center.
A theme for this year’s competition will focus on the public art of Evanston. The club is working with the Arts and Business Committee of the Evanston Arts Council to educate residents as to the wide range of public art in Evanston. “In discovering where our public art is located as part of the photography process or just a natural curiosity, we hope we can attract greater appreciation of all age groups of how the arts play such a vital part of what makes Evanston unique,” Blanas added.
Prizes in the photo contest are $250 for first prize, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. All entries must be accompanied by a $5 per picture registration fee.
Photographers can enter online at the Faces of Evanston website. A complete list of all of the rules and regulations governing the contest, as well as a downloadable registration form are also available at the Evanston Kiwanis website. Entries can be submitted by mail to Faces of Evanston Photo Contest, PMB 157, 1555 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Participants may also call Dr. Blanas at 847-475-4544 to obtain a written copy of the rules. All entries and registration fees must be received no later than August 15, 2008.
The contest is open to all, but photos must be from the Evanston area.
The Kiwanis Club of Evanston is an active service club, founded in 1920. The past three years the club has awarded over $80,000 to Evanston community organizations with an emphasis on programs aiding youth and children. The club meets weekly at Gio’s restaurant, 1631 Chicago Ave. .
More information about Kiwanis membership, donations and volunteer opportunities is available on the group’s website.