Celebrating Creativity: The Unveiling of Winners in the ArtSpace/Lima Photography Showcase

Jan. 11—LIMA — ArtSpace/Lima commenced showcasing works from 31 photographers starting Saturday for its 2025 Juried Photography Exhibition, with nine photographers learning they earned accolades.

ArtSpace/Lima’s Executive Director, Sally Windle, mentioned that this photography showcase has been taking place for over three decades and was once part of the ArtSpace/Lima photography club.

This year’s juror was former Lima News Photo Editor Craig Orosz, and Windle stated that he struggled to determine which photographs to feature in the exhibition due to their high quality.

“We kick off the year robustly with an event that sees substantial participation. Many individuals submit their work. We received around 150 entries, and the juror selected 100, representing the pinnacle of artistry,” Windle remarked. “We attract participants from various locations, yet there’s a significant quality stemming from the photography club that I believe people recognize and appreciate. So being selected is quite significant.”

Windle noted that they observe fresh photographers engaging year after year. There are no restrictions regarding residency in the Lima vicinity or mandated presentation formats to enter; merely that photographers bring their work in-person, ready for display. Photographers were allowed to submit up to five original works that haven’t been shown at ArtSpace before and were captured within the past three years.

“Participants feel assured as they have the opportunity to showcase something that narrates a story or portrays something truly remarkable, offering a sense of ownership and pride. Hence, we’re always eager to present that,” Windle remarked about the photography exhibition.

In contrast to other photography contests, submissions do not fall under specific categories, allowing amateurs to compete on the same platform as professionals.

“If you feature kittens, that is judged alongside a photo of Niagara Falls. It’s simply about presenting a fantastic image, strong skill, composition, and everything combined,” Windle expressed.

Award winners included:

—Best of Show: Little Robots by Amanda Rose, $400

—First Place: Untitled by Ajina DuPree, $300

—Second Place: Into the Abyss by Alex Stinebaugh, $200

—Third Place: Reaching by Spencer Cunningham, $100

—Honorable Mention: Eddy by Michael Lamm, $50

—17 and Under Award: Emerald Wave by Spencer Davis, $50

—Black and White Award: In Pieces by Calen Fledderjohann, $100

—Color Award: Light Play #38 by Barbara Ward, $100

—Photography Club Honor Award: Second Chance by Christine Herman, $100

Alex Stinebaugh, 26, from Wapakoneta, felt thrilled to discover not only his second-place win but also that Orosz remarked his photo of Niagara Falls was “one of the finest Niagara Falls photographs I’ve ever encountered.” It marked his first entry in ArtSpace’s exhibition, yet he mentioned that he enjoys participating in exhibitions.

“That definitely serves as encouragement to keep progressing,” he stated regarding Orosz’s feedback.

Stinebaugh shared the story of how he came to take the award-winning picture at Niagara Falls that day.

“I was en route to a friend’s bachelor party and traveled separately, arriving a day early, and thought, ‘you know what? I visited here a long time ago; I’ll go again.’ So I went, scoped out the area, and managed to snap a few great shots,” he recounted. The image had also won a people’s choice award at a Wapakoneta contest, which was the first art exhibition he entered.

Stinebaugh’s landscape photography was featured in various locations throughout the exhibition, which he claimed is his forte. He operates his own business, Alex James Photography.

Amanda Rose, hailing from Continental, secured Best of Show for an image of her children—Loudon, 5, and Piper, 3—in their DIY robot Halloween outfits from 2023, complete with illuminated flashlight eyes. She owns Wild Rose Photography.

“I am incredibly thrilled, and I wept when I learned about it because I feel undeserving, but I adore having received it,” she remarked about her victory. Winners were not informed until they attended the opening reception on Saturday.

She submitted four images for the competition, of which three were showcased in the exhibition. Her children also appear in some of her other photographs.

“They serve as my inspiration,” she noted.

“I never imagined I would win. I am absolutely delighted to have won. I tend to think my work is a bit too obscure and hard to interpret, but I love it, so I’m pleased that someone else sees the value too,” Rose added.

Visitors are welcome to view the exhibition at no cost until March 1, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For inquiries, reach out to Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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