It’s time once again for youth across the city to take their best shots, and then send them to the museum.
The fourth annual Take Your Best Shot youth digital photo contest is now underway. Museum director Shari Strachan said that she personally looks forward to the event each autumn.
“We want to really honour those kids who take the time to do it. Some of their photos, honestly, are just amazing! I’m always excited. It’s one of my favourite things of the year.”
She’s also been talking a lot with prospective shutterbugs who have expressed their interest in participating.
“They’ve been talking about it this summer, that’s for sure,” she said, offering a story about one young woman who was thrilled with the hope of winning a McBain Camera gift certificate. She didn’t even realize that there was a second part of the contest.
“One of the girls said, ‘What do you do with the pictures?’ I said, ‘We put them in the museum. You’re on display for a month!’ She said, ‘You mean, I could have my pictures on the wall?’ I said, ‘Yes, you can! And people can come and see them!’”
This year’s theme is Shape Search. Entrants are encouraged to find interesting shapes anywhere in their surroundings. Photos must be taken within the city of St. Albert, however.
As usual, entries will be divided into three groups: grades three to six, grades seven to nine and grades 10 to 12. There will also be a special category for entrants in grades two and under. Their submissions will be put on display in the Discovery Room.
“We had a lot of younger brothers and sisters that wanted to be able to do this as well. They will be able to be exhibited as well.”
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: choice of subject, creativity, photo quality and the written description that accompanies each photo.
Winning entries will be put on display at the museum starting on Nov. 21. A special reception and prize presentation will be held on opening night. The exhibit will run until Jan. 18, 2015.
There are usually between 30 and 60 entries each year. Strachan said she hopes to get an enthusiastic response from the public.
“We’re hoping for the upside of that. It’s just great to be able to put them up in the exhibit.”
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 14. Winners will be notified by Nov. 7. The top three photos in each age group will receive gift certificates from McBain Camera.
For more details, call the museum at 780-459-1528. To download an entry form, please visit www.museeheritage.ca/exhibits-events/current-upcoming-events.
