Tuscaloosa photographer impressed with quality of local people's photos for Grove Hill contest

Professional photographer and contest judge Chip Cooper poses with John Pendleton and Ciara Pendleton, winners in the high school division of the Grove Hill Art Council's photography contest.

The Grove Hill Arts Council's photography contest drew 224 entries from 81 individuals. Entries came from as far north as Sweet Water to Wagarville on the south and all over Clarke County, said Francis Ohme, one of the organizers.

The photos were exhibited at the Clarke County Museum and Helms House this past weekend.

Chip Cooper, a professional and published photographer from Tuscaloosa judged the contest and was complimentary of the entries.

Cooper told photographers and others at the Clarke County Historical Society meeting in Grove Hill Sunday that the contest drew more entries than a recent contest in Tuscaloosa County. He especially praised the younger photographers who entered the contest, calling them the "heart and soul" of photography's future.

He said the photographers portrayed the community well. He complimented the creativity, composition and techniques of the photographs.

"You can all be very proud," he said.

He thanked Ohme and Martha and Jim Herod for their hospitality to his family and for their assistance in the contest. He said it was one of the most organized events he has ever participated in.

Ohme, a photographer herself, said the contest would be held again next year and that the featured entry (this year's was historical sites) would be Clarke County trees. She said she wanted to see photographs of the county's great trees, the varitities, colors, etc. Photographers who plan to enter next year can start looking now for subject materials. Photos from all seasons of the year are eligible.

Terry Norris detailed some of the other projects of the Arts Council, including helping to sponsor symphony performances, poetry and book readings, art shows and more. She said the council has found that local citizens want arts related events and activities.
Adult winners
  There were 145 entries from 40 adults.
  Pamela Barnes and Leigh Henson won the Best of Show awards
and Tammy Ackerman won the People's Choice award.
  Category winners are detailed in first, second and third place order:
  Historical- Virginia Kyzar, Leanne Wright, John Nelson.
  People- Leigh Henson, Christy Fuller, Jenny Council.
  Pets- Leanne Wright, Susan Jones, Brandy Paul.
  Scenic- Matthew Hendry, John Nelson, Marcus Kyzar.
  Wildlife- Pamela Barnes, Leanne Wright, Pamela Barnes.
  Other- Terry Norris, Shirley Wright, Tammy Ackerman.
Middle school winners
  There were 37 entries from 25 students.
  Caleb Smith won Best of Show and Justin Barnes won People's
Choice.
  Category winners were:
  People- B. J. Ezel, Kaelon Davis.
  Pets- Caleb Smith, Justin Cox, Twyla Early.
  Scenic- Aaliyah Johnson, Jacob Horton, Quint Flowers.
  Wildlife- Tia Frazier, Caleb Smith, Alexandria Waters.
  Other- Deardre Fuller, Charmayne Chapman.
High school winners
  There were 42 entries from 16 students.
  Ciara Pendleton won Best of Show and John Pendleton won the
People's Choice award.
  Category winners were:
  People- John Pendleton (first and second), Caitlin Fuller.
  Pets- Amber Teal, Jessica Williams.
  Scenic- Ciara Pendleton, Amber Teal, Jan Howard.
  Other- Ciara Pendleton, Justin Taite, Kendrick Thomas.

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