The Effingham Arts Council announced the winners of their first Photography Contest and declared the event a big success.
Taking first place overall was Misty DeBlasio of Rincon, Dany Dunbar of Guyton took both second and third places. There were 79 entries submitted by 22 photographers and the judging took place Wednesday evening. Certificates were awarded for best of category as well as honorable mentions.
Best in category winners included Dany Dunbar for Wildlife, Misty DeBlasio for People and Still Life, Tracy Toogood for Architecture and Digital, and Leland Sanders for Historical locations. Honorable mentions went to Sanders, DeBlasio, Toogood, Tim Sharpe, Vicki Rortreau, Malee Wargo, Jennifer Nease and Jamie Brannen.
“The Herald was proud to participate in the first event since the Effingham Arts Council has been revived,” said Effingham Herald Publisher Karen Tanksley. “The number of photographs entered in the contest was amazing. There are so many talented photographers in our area. We have a lot of talented people in our community, and I think it’s wonderful that the Arts Council is giving them a venue to share their talents. The Council is helping to grow a community that will introduce different forms of art to the children and adults of Effingham County. We look forward to participating and helping sponsor future events.”
The judges for the show were Tony Phillips of the Averitt Center in Statesboro and John Henry, CEO of the Effingham Industrial Development Authority. Both judges said they had a hard job since there were so many photos and that their quality was so impressive.
Tanksley, awarded the prizes to the winning photographers Sunday afternoon at Frank and Linda’s restaurant in Rincon.
Arts Council representatives said they were surprised and pleased with the number of entries for this first time show. They said the photography contest was a good way to get the community to know about the rebirth of the Arts Council and to build membership. The photography will be on public display at Frank and Linda’s restaurant in Rincon for two weeks.
Other events being planned for the first half of the year include an acoustic music festival, a summer art camp, and art booths at the Olde Effingham Days Festival in April. Members will be allowed to hang a piece of their artwork in the tents for the day. For more information on the Effingham County Council for the Arts, email effartscouncil@yahoo.com.
—Rick Lott
