Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries

The AiM Visual Arts Committee begins accepting entries for the annual amateur photography contest and show this month. The contest is open to everyone regardless of age. Only the panel of judges and professional photographers are not eligible for participation. There is a $10 fee for each of the first three entries and $5 fee for every entry thereafter. Contestants can enter as many photos as they like. Please pay by check or money order payable to Arts in McNairy.

Deadline for submissions is 4:00 PM March 11, 2011 at the UTM McNairy Center in Selmer. Mail in entries must be postmarked by March 7 to be considered. An opening reception and awards ceremony for all artists and their guests will take place 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Sunday March 13 at the UTM Center. Participants must agree to have their work on display as part of the photography show at the UTM Center through April 13 and possibly published in local news media or the AiM newsletter.

There will be a $100 prize for one Best in Show entry. $50 first place, $25 second place and third place (as well as honorable mention) ribbons will be awarded in the following seven categories: natural landscape; architectural landscape; people; pets, animals or wildlife; black and white (any subject); digitally enhanced, edited or manipulated images; McNairy County (taken inside the county). Winners will be contacted by phone prior to the awards reception.

Entries should be mailed to the attention of contest/show coordinator, George Souders, c/o AiM Photo Contest, U.T. Martin Selmer, 1269 Tennessee Ave., Selmer, TN 38375. Entry forms (or equivalent information) should be affixed to the back of each photo. Entry forms are available at UTM Selmer, Village Coffee House, Selmer Chiropractic Center and Wal-Mart in Selmer or the one above may be downloaded and printed. Copies are acceptable. Name, address, phone number, photo title, date and location of photo, category of entry (listed above) and applicable fees must accompany all entries. Include the price only if you want to sell the photo. All entries must be picked up at the UTM Center at the conclusion of the show on April 13, 2011.

Further photo submission requirements:

• Photos must have been taken since the year 2007
• Photos can be taken anywhere except those entered in the McNairy County category
• Photos must be submitted in 8x10 or 5x7 format
• Photos must be matted (preferably in white)
• Photos must be unframed
• Photos can be digital or film, black and white or color
• Photos can not be previously published
• Photos that have received awards in past AiM contests are not eligible for the 2011 contest
• Photos are the responsibility of the individual artists and Arts in McNairy will accept no liability for loss or damage to photos during the contest and show

Please contact George Souders at (731) 645-5441 with further questions about the AiM photography show and contests. Good luck shutterbugs!