Lens on Creativity: A Captivating Photography Exhibit at Wilkes Art Gallery

The Wilkes Record

The 44th Annual Blue Ridge Overview Juried Photography Competition commenced on Friday, Jan. 17 at the Wilkes Art Gallery located on Ward Nichols Way in Downtown North Wilkesboro. To the left is Donna Goforth of North Wilkesboro with her award-winning image (captured in Croatia and depicted in the inset) “Proof of Global Warming.” In the center is a photo by Martha Morphis from Wilkesboro, titled “Geranium Glory.” To the right, musical entertainment was provided by Will Easter. The exhibition is presented by CatchLight Gallery, and Gordon and Abby Burns. Wilkes Record images by Ken Welborn.

The Wilkes Record

On the left, guests of the exhibit Jim Lyall and Betty Powell. In the center, Wilkes Heritage Museum Director Jennifer Furr, alongside Gallery Director Brooke Horn. On the right, frequent Gallery attendees Max and Jane Joines from Moravian Falls.

The Wilkes Record

Others in attendance included Jim Hinson and Sharon Oxford, Gordon and Abby Burns, as well as Joyce and Charles Campbell. Joyce was also among the photographers showcased at the event.

From the Wilkes Art Gallery

Wilkes Art Gallery hosted the 44th Annual Blue Ridge Overview Opening and Awards Ceremony on Friday, Jan. 17. The exhibition will be available for viewing until February 13th, 2025.

For the Blue Ridge Overview, photographers can submit their work for a chance to be featured in the exhibition and earn awards for their entries.

The categories for this year included Everyday Life, Nature and Environments, Macro Still Life, and Conceptual and Alternative Processes. Each category recognizes a first, second, and third place winner. Special accolades include the Ralph H. Marler, Jr.- Best in Show Award and the People’s Choice Award. Voting for the People’s Choice commenced on January 17th and will continue through Feb. 6, with a winner announcement on the Gallery’s social media on Feb. 7.

The recipients of the 44th Annual Blue Ridge Overview awards are as follows:

Division I Everyday Life

Third: Uptown Hotdog by Douglas Butler

Second: Cabbage Harvest by Stephanie Darnell

First: Union Station by Kevin Balling

 

Division II Nature and Environments

 

Third: Proof of Global Warming by Donna Goforth

Second: Defiant by Barry Bauguess

First: Pine Swamp by Kevin Balling

 

Division III Macro Still Life

 

Third: Peace Lily by Catherine Altice

Second: Extinguished by Gary Doby

First: Nature’s Way by Lisa Wilmoth

 

Division IV Conceptual and Alternative Processes

 

Third: Divination/Manifestation by Laura Barth

Second: Synchronous Fireflies by Lisa Wilmoth

First: Lisa Loveday by Skip Sickler

 

Best in Show: Ralph H. Marler, Jr. Award $500

Reflecting by Martin Seelig