For the Love of Athens

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For the Love of Athens is a photo contest and exhibition celebrating the people and places of Athens County. Due to COVID restrictions, Arts West will not be hosting a gallery opening for this year's  show. However, the show will be on display at Arts West February 12th - March 26th, viewing the show is FREE and open to the public. Appointments can be made to see the show Tuesday through Fridays 2-6pm. To make an appointment, please call Arts West at 740-592-4315, or contact Program Specialist  Emily Beveridge: ebeveridge@ci.athens.oh.us. 

This year's contest resulted in over 100 submissions and 30 selections made by our juror, Erin LaBelle. To vote for the audience choice award, please schedule an appointment to view the show. Alternately, you can vote for your favorite photo virtually, once the show is displayed, we will post images of all the selected photos. You can select your favorite, and then email Emily Beveridge: ebeveridge@ci.athens.oh.us your audience choice​! 



​First Place: Chattopadhyay_01 "Summer Afternoon with AJ and His Tomatoes"
Judges Notes: "The portrait of this young boy moved me becuase of his expression and body language. He seems unsure and possibly sad, despite the abundance in his arms. It draws me in and makes me wonder about AJ's life and this moment in time. Lovely summer light and shallow depth of field adds to the wonderful feeling." 


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First Place Winner_Summer Afternoon with AJ and His Tomatoes
Second Place Winner_Great Blue Heron

Second Place: Hess_05 "Great Blue Heron" 
Judge Notes: "Wonderful composition and light. The interplay of lines as well as the textual contrast between the bird and the tree makes this image aesthetically appealing. A magical image of a regal creature."

Third Place: Grief_01 "Golden Moment" 



Judge Notes: "I'm drawn to the curved line, color and texture in this image as well as the message. A beautiful illustration of The Golden Mean, which suggests striving for the place of balance between two extremes. I'm left wondering if the photographer has a mindful photography practice."
Third Place Winner_Golden Moment