To raise awareness and appreciation of the rivers that serve our towns, the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is sponsoring a photography contest that will feature scenes from the rivers in our watershed – the Pomperaug, Nonewaug and the Weekeepeemee and their tributaries.

The Contest.  The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, in celebration of its 10th Anniversary, is sponsoring a “Four Seasons of the Pomperaug” Photography Contest.  Professional and amateur  photographers are invited to submit photographs of the Pomperaug River in any or all of the four seasons of the year. Photographs of the river are encouraged in a variety of categories such as: one photo in any season; photos of all seasons;  shots of the same location in different seasons; general river images; photos of people and/or animals and the river.  Contestants will be divided into three categories: Adult, Teen, and Child.

Entry Guidelines: We are no longer accepting entries to the contest. Thank you to all that have submitted their images. We've received over 100 photographs to be reviewed by our judges. Contest winners will be announced and displayed at the 10th Anniversary Benefit on June 19th.

Exhibition.  Selected photos will be displayed in an exhibit at Good News Café in Woodbury.  The exhibition will open on May 12, 2010, with an Opening Reception on May 16 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM, and will be on display through July 12, 2010.  Winning photos will be announced on June 19 at a benefit event for PRWC.  The Coalition also plans to use the winning photos in various fund-raising presentations including a calendar.

Jurors.  Four judges will evaluate the photo entries:

• Robert Crawford, the well-known Woodbury artist and illustrator
• George Arthur of New Canaan, Design Director for Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine 
• Paul Doyle of Oxford, a former military photographer who also worked for several years with Ezra Stoller, the world-famous architectural photographer
• Jeff Nisly, manager of the RITZ Camera Store in the Southbury Plaza shopping center.
• Carole Winer, owner of The Country Loft and has experience styling for professionals who shoot magazine and books for the interior design trade.  Carole graduated from Parson's and enjoyed many photography courses for her design profession.

For further details contact:  Duncan C. Stephens at 203-266-4009; dstephens02@earthlink.net  or Carol Haskins at the PRWC office at 203-267-1700.

Thanks to our sponsors. The Ritz Camera store in Southbury Shopping Plaza is sponsoring the contest and have agreed to serve as a collection point for entries, provide advice and help in meeting the entry specifications. Thanks to Koenig Art Emporium, who will mount winning photographs for display. Thanks to Good News Café for exhibiting the best images.