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Globally coveted Xposure International Photography and Film Awards open registrations for 2024 edition
Sharjah: The Xposure International Photography Festival is returning for its 8th edition next year, and has opened entries for its annual International Photography and Film Awards (IPFA), which received an astounding 17,116 entries from 180 nations last year recording an 80 per cent increase in submissions compared to previous years, making it one of the largest and most diverse photography competitions in the world.
The festival has opened entries for its 2024 awards edition to both amateur and professional photographers to send in their applications to https://awards.xposure.ae/register/ before October 30, 2023.
Categories and prizes
The organisers of the awards encourage entrants to enter up to 10 images or films by choosing their specialty from across the competition’s 8 main categories, including one for short films. They are: Architectural Photography, Drone Photography, Mobile Photography in collaboration with Samsung, Nature & Landscape, Night Photography in collaboration with Samsung, Photojournalism, Portraiture, Short Film & Moving Image, and Street Photography.
The overall winner receives a $6,000 prize while category winners receive a $3,000 prize. Additionally, the second place entry in each category receives a $1,500 prize, and the following five highest scored entries in each category will have their nominated entry exhibited during the annual festival next year.
Special categories – Junior Category
The 9th category is the Junior category open to UAE residents whose past winners have gone on to build successful portfolios in photography. Amateurs who dabble in all types of still photography recorded by phone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera can participate in this free-to-enter competition. Additionally, photographs must have been taken in the past three years. The top seven placed images will be exhibited at Xposure 2024 and additional equipment prizes will be awarded to first and second place.
Tariq Allay: ‘Awards have created prolific new opportunities for up and coming talents’
HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of Sharjah Government Media Bureau said: “Xposure is a globally recognised platform for celebrating photography, film and other visual mediums. The annual celebration has created prolific new opportunities for up and coming photographers and visual artists to showcase themselves and highlight their careers on its sought after stage, receive cash prizes and other accolades. The increasing popularity of these awards with each passing year, as reflected in the submission numbers, is the best reflection of the value that Xposure has created for photographers worldwide in the past seven years, and testifies to Sharjah’s growing importance as a global incubator of culture and creativity”.
The Xposure Awards jury includes some of the most experienced and respected names in the field. Comprising a diverse group of leading professionals, critics and industry heavyweights who specialise in various photography genres, the jury reviewed and evaluated a staggering 17,116 submissions from 180 nations last year, making Xposure one of the biggest and most diverse photography competitions in the world. The International Photography & Film Awards boasts 41 top industry professionals and critics who will use their expertise to judge the huge number of entries.
For more information, visit https://awards.xposure.ae/
Navigating the erotics of queer identity with Jody Evans’ self-portraiture zine
It’s these “subtleties”, Jody says, that she relies on to express queerness and discomfort in Self-Portrait. “Queerness for me is more complex than the way you dress or who you sleep with,” they tell us. “The switch between imperfect ways of presenting stereotypes in the zine of butch/femme/leather dyke then seeks to disrupt stereotypes and the assumptions we make of queer folk from the ways we present ourselves.” On a favourite image in Self-Portrait, the photographer quickly points to a shot of themselves lifting up their dress. “I felt a lot of discomfort taking that picture and embodying that character again,” they explain. “I dressed in the underwear I bought to feel sexy for an ex-partner and put on my most femme outfit.” For Jody, the act of undressing allowed her to play around with obscuring the face gaze, prompting audiences to question the consent of the subject. “It’s like, come fuck me, but I don’t want to see,” Jody says. “Perhaps a little insight into the hyper-sexuality and discomfort I felt with myself when I used to sleep with cis straight men.”
Overall, it’s a beautiful debut by a promising young talent in the London photography scene. For so long, the art of the eroticised self-portrait or erotic documentarian photography seemed to be on its way out. With Jody, there’s a promising new future for the form. As for Jody’s next project, there’s two in the pipeline that we’re eager to see. “I am beginning a documentary project on queer love languages,” they tell us. “Photographing lovers, families and relationships of all ages and backgrounds, and talking to them about the ways that they express their love.” And, an exciting new photo book (we’ve already got to see a sneak peak of) coming out in September that develops Jody’s – now signature – style.
Midtown Sculpture Garden plans finalized for downtown Holdrege
The plans for the Midtown Sculpture Garden in downtown Holdrege have been finalized, and committee members are eagerly anticipating the start of demolition and
Pathway to Reconciliation mural project brings colour to downtown Regina
Marion Donnelly is excited to unveil the Pathway to Reconciliation.
“It’s just an incredible opportunity for us to do a visual representation of what does reconciliation mean, not to Indigenous people, but to all people. We are all treaty people. We all have a responsibility to be part of the efforts of reconciliation, to make sure that everybody.Is working together,” said Donnelly.
The project — a 2.4-metre-wide mural/foot path at the F.W. Hill Mall on the 1800 block of Scarth Street in Regina — is a collaboration between Creative City Centre and the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District.
Artists started on the mural on June 1 so that it would be completed in time for National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21, when an opening ceremony will be incorporated in the day’s events at Victoria Park.
Donnelly, the founder of the Creative City Centre, said she was happy to partner on this project as the centre has always been interested in engaging the public in art downtown.
Once Donnelly heard it was going to be on Scarth Street, she knew it had to be a reconciliation project involving Indigenous artists, Elders and cultural advisors to make sure it was done properly.
“We will be putting up signage that explains what the significance is of the work that is being done. You know there are going to be flower motifs, they’re going to be bones. There’s going to be things that have cultural significance to Indigenous culture,” said Donnelly.
Two lead Indigenous artists designed and directed the project, with many volunteers helping paint and stencil the path.
Brandy Jones is one of the lead artists. She is an Inuvialuit and Gwitch’in artist from Williams Lake, B.C., but moved to Regina when she was 12 years old.
Jones’s work is a mixture of native arts, with bright colours representing every Indigenous nation. She said she is excited to be a part of a project that has her working in the community.
“I absolutely love it because I always say my job is 80 per cent about community and 20 per cent about the art. So any time that I can be out in my community and just making those connections and relationships with people is the best day for me,” said Jones while taking a break from painting the mural.
Geanna Dunbar, a Cree-Métis multi-disciplinary artist from Regina, is the second lead artist.
Dunbar’s work includes spoken word and body modification, including body piercing, skin branding, and tattooing using both modern techniques and traditional practices like Plains Cree skin stitching.
Jones and Dunbar decided to use beadwork as a visual motif for the piece, because it would allow them to represent different nations.
They mapped it out row by row, made chalk outlines and then, with the help of volunteers, started painting. Dunbar estimated that the final piece would feature hundreds of rows and thousands of paints “beads.”
“It’s going to be a very large project. I just want to see people be excited. I want to see people interact. I want to see people have conversations during it,” said Dunbar.
Signs along the fence surrounding the project as the work was underway explained what was going on and who the artists are, to spark conversations about the mural.
Elder Brenda Dubois was also at the site. She smudged before each day to set good intentions for the mural and bring her cultural knowledge to the project.
Everyone is welcome to the opening ceremony for the mural on June 21, during the annual National Indigenous People’s Day Celebrations.
Gather at Gather for live music this farmers’ market season
By Kira Doman
Contributing Writer
The summer solstice occurs next week, but the summer spirit is already in full swing in Green Bay with it’s bustling schedule of live music and outdoor activities.
The 25th season of the Farmers’ Market on Broadway opened a few weeks ago, bringing more than 105 vendors to the streets of the Broadway District every Wednesday.
Not only is this a great opportunity to stock up on produce, cheese, meats and enjoy a drink in the sunshine, but it’s also an opportunity to listen to live music.
While there are plenty of bands and artists playing outside during the market, the bands booked within the bars and venues along the block shouldn’t be overlooked.
Gather on Broadway (139 North Broadway), has begun their third year of offering live music, complimentary of Nicolet Bank, and food and drinks prepared by Chef Jyll Everman to the public from 4-9 p.m.
Tommy Everman, co-owner of Gather and music afficianado, said he first brought up the prospect of offering live music to the public within Gather’s walls because of his history with the art and the way it pulls a community together.
“I was a former musician, so I love all types of music,” he said. “Being an ex-musician, I believe that music is critical to the social fabric of a community and that’s why Gather has to be part of that community.”
To bring more music into Gather, Everman enlisted the help of Jolene Chevalier, booking and talent agent for her company How To Concerts, who has been booking the bands and artists performing at Gather and specifically their Farmers’ Market Series since the start of the annual lineup in 2021.
“When it comes specifically to the farmers’ market, Steven (Aprill, social media and marketing), Jolene (Chevalier) and I sat down in October of last year, right after the Farmer’s Market season ended,” Everman said. “We decided we had to start then because it’s a lot of work to get to get this entire series ready for the public.”
The booking process is ongoing at all times, because a musician will sometimes ask to perform at the venue, and the timeframe that makes the most sense with both the musician’s schedule and Gather’s schedule aligns with the Farmer’s Market.
“We’re always talking to agents. Artists and agents are calling us to schedule ticketed shows, and if the time frame they initially want contradicts a wedding already booked in our schedule, we’ll ask if they’d like to perform for our Farmers’ Market Concert Series,” Everman explained. “It’s a great opportunity for the band to make money on a gig mid-week too, when approaching it through a financial perspective, that way they can schedule shows on the weekend’s sandwiching the market.”
However, Everman assures there is a method to the madness of the constant booking of artists.
“We try to start booking people in January — that way there’s still six or seven months of runway where their career is not stopping,” Everman said. “So they might have 70,000 listeners a month when we book them in January, but seven months later, they’ve got a song on the radio with over 100,000 listeners a month, they’ve been signed up for a tour and now they’re here, playing in Green Bay, with more listeners than when they initially booked. That is when we know we’re attacking it correctly.”
Chevalier’s talent and knowledge behind booking artists and coordinating a lineup can be clearly seen in the variety of musical styles booked for the Gather Farmer’s Market Series.
“Each week is going to have a different vibe and a different sound, thanks to Jolene,” Everman said. “Even the country music we’ve scheduled are all very different from each other; and we’ve got so many women in our lineup, which is so great! We are lucky to have so many powerful, powerhouse voices that are going to be going to be great shows.”
Everman doesn’t only want to display this variety of music to the public of Green Bay, but to also show the bands and artists Gather is booking the different gems of Green Bay that make it a city to be proud to reside and perform in.
“This year, in partnership with Hinterland Brewery and Discover Green Bay, we’re offering a brewery tour at Hinterland Brewery (1001 Lombardi Access Rd),” Everman said. “Which, in my opinion is a bit of a step-up from our previous Wisconsin Welcome Baskets we would leave in the greenroom for the bands. Now they can explore what Green Bay has to offer before they perform in the evening. We want Green Bay to be on the artists tour T-shirt, because Gather benefits when Green Bay benefits.”
After three-years of the Farmers’ Market Series, Everman has discovered a new appreciation for live music that previously alluded him.
“My favorite part of the concerts is reading the artists’ stage presence,” Everman said. “You saw this at Leah Marlene last year — she sucked the crowd in. She started telling stories. And when you can get into this intimate experience that is Gather, and you’re sitting there and you’re now listening to an artist telling you why you they wrote the song or what was happening at that point in their life, it creates an atmosphere that can’t be replicated. That’s probably my number one favorite thing.”
Enjoy live music and moments that can’t be replicated at Gather every Wednesday at 6:30 P.M.. through September 17. Check out the concert lineup at gatheronbroadway.com/public-events/.
People visit photography exhibition with theme of “And in its Heart There is a Wall” in Jerusalem
A visitor looks at a photo displayed on a photography exhibition with the theme of “And in its Heart There is a Wall” in Jerusalem on June 19, 2023. In June 2002, Israel started to build a separation wall on the Palestinian lands adjacent to the borders between Israel and the West Bank, claiming the wall would prevent Palestinian militants from entering Israel to carry out attacks. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)
A visitor walks past photos displayed on a photography exhibition with the theme of “And in its Heart There is a Wall” in Jerusalem on June 19, 2023. In June 2002, Israel started to build a separation wall on the Palestinian lands adjacent to the borders between Israel and the West Bank, claiming the wall would prevent Palestinian militants from entering Israel to carry out attacks. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)
A visitor looks at photos displayed on a photography exhibition with the theme of “And in its Heart There is a Wall” in Jerusalem on June 19, 2023. In June 2002, Israel started to build a separation wall on the Palestinian lands adjacent to the borders between Israel and the West Bank, claiming the wall would prevent Palestinian militants from entering Israel to carry out attacks. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)
People visit a photography exhibition with the theme of “And in its Heart There is a Wall” in Jerusalem on June 19, 2023. In June 2002, Israel started to build a separation wall on the Palestinian lands adjacent to the borders between Israel and the West Bank, claiming the wall would prevent Palestinian militants from entering Israel to carry out attacks. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)
People visit a photography exhibition with the theme of “And in its Heart There is a Wall” in Jerusalem on June 19, 2023. In June 2002, Israel started to build a separation wall on the Palestinian lands adjacent to the borders between Israel and the West Bank, claiming the wall would prevent Palestinian militants from entering Israel to carry out attacks. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)
The art of crafting engaging experiences
In today’s highly competitive communication landscape, creating a compelling brand experience has become indispensable for companies striving to thrive in the market.
One such example comes courtesy of the crypto-gaming entertainment brand Roobet, owned by RAW Entertainment. Through a collaboration with branding and marketing agency Steves&Co, the company gained new perspectives into the significance of brand experience throughout the customer journey, both online and offline.
“What is greater than witnessing your customers not only being delighted with the product you offer but also seeing them transform into genuine fans and brand ambassadors?” asks Roobet’s director of marketing, David Kostap.
“The process of turning customers into passionate advocates heavily relies on the exceptional experiences they receive. This fosters stronger and more enduring relationships between the brand and its customers, amplifying their loyalty and endorsement.”
Kostap further highlights the importance of brands consistently delivering a high-quality representation of themselves at every interaction point. Aligning all aspects of the brand journey is key, as individuals constantly seek holistic entertainment and personal value from brands.
Roobet, as an online entertainment provider, understands the significance of maintaining consistent touchpoints through user-friendly website journeys and interfaces to attract and retain customers. Seamless and intuitive interactions have played a pivotal role in enhancing the online experiences of its customers.
Memorable brand moments
From the moment Steves&Co embarked on the project with Roobet, the main objective was to craft and maintain a captivating brand experience that remained authentic and comprehensive.
“Our teams constantly ensure that the brand guidelines and tone of voice are robust and relevant, aligned with Roobet’s vision and any new directions it takes,” emphasises Emily Micallef, head of marketing and strategy at Steves&Co. “The stewardship of a brand, ensuring it is genuine and appropriately represented in the market, has been a significant factor contributing to the success we have observed during our 15 years in business,” she continued.
Steve Ciantar-Barbara, CEO of Steves&Co, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of creating memorable brand moments. He states: “Brands have the opportunity to forge deep connections and elevate their relationship with their audience. It’s about consistently exceeding expectations, surpassing previous achievements to truly differentiate yourself in the market.”
The process of turning customers into passionate advocates heavily relies on the exceptional experiences they receive.
David Kostap, Roobet
An important aspect of this client-agency work was the incorporation of a group of high-profile ambassadors, whose distinct personalities were seamlessly merged into the tone and fabric of the brand.
One successful collaboration example was the partnership between Roobet and Snoop Dogg. Steves&Co took the lead in global communication and marketing, creatively building campaigns and utilising dedicated boards and websites that effectively portrayed both Roobet and Snoop Dogg in a shared space.
Roobet’s Kostap explains: “We were very pleased to see the effective response and positive engagement from our valued customers and players. The increasing number of return players and a surge in member signups reflect the steady growth of our vibrant online and offline communities.”
By embarking on this series of successful high-profile collaborations, Roobet has not only added significant brand value but also achieved remarkable milestones. Notably, the partnership formed in March of this year with Snoop Dogg presented exciting opportunities to create fresh brand experiences and propel further development for the brand.
“Steves&Co played a crucial role in developing our communication strategy for the brand ambassadors projects, ensuring that all creative elements are captivating and enjoyable,” Kostap continues.
This involved implementing engaging content across websites in various languages, dynamic digital ads, captivating video ads and impactful OOH campaigns across Mexico, Brazil and Canada, featuring dedicated billboards and websites that seamlessly integrated the worlds of Roobet and Snoop Dogg. Furthermore, Roobet took the celebration of this partnership to new heights by launching an exclusive game dedicated to their fans.
Offline experiences also contribute to establishing a brand’s identity and forging emotional connections with customers. Whether through physical spaces, events or face-to-face interactions, offline experiences offer unique opportunities to engage with customers on a personal level.
Marian Melinte, head of customer acquisition for Roobet, agrees: “Creating memorable offline experiences at trade show expos has allowed us to build trust and establish Roobet as a leading brand in the gaming entertainment industry. It’s all about connecting with our customers and partners on a deeper level.”
He adds: “Roobet’s commitment to offline touchpoints – such as branded presence in spaces and communications through a branded fleet of shuttle buses at trade shows and expos worldwide, as well as OOH ads – played a significant role in portraying the brand and facilitating interactions with visitors and media partners. Steves&Co’s dedication to create unique approaches and interactions for physical environments consistently elevated the brand, attracting more customers and increasing consumer satisfaction.”
Immersive brand experience
Recognising the significance of establishing engaging interactions with audiences, Roobet extends its commitment beyond offline touchpoints to the digital realm. A brand’s website is a digital representation of its values, offerings and personality, with an opportunity to engage visitors. The team at Roobet believes that a compelling website is paramount.
Kostap states: “Our website serves as a window into our brand. It’s not just about the games and products we offer but also about showcasing our commitment to innovation, entertainment and customer satisfaction.”
The collaborative efforts between Steves&Co and Roobet have successfully orchestrated a thrilling and immersive brand experience that transcends the boundaries of the online and offline worlds. By meticulously crafting authentic touchpoints, aligning brand elements, and incorporating high-profile ambassadors like Snoop Dogg, Roobet has not only attracted and engaged customers but also cultivated a community of passionate brand advocates.
Through its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and strategic digital and physical interactions, Roobet continues to elevate its position in the competitive online entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of its audience.
Community News – Kennebunk Free Library introduces July’s featured artist
The Speers Gallery at the Kennebunk Free Library will present Recent Works, an exhibition of watercolor, pastel, and pencil by Kennebunk resident Wendy Gallart.
The exhibit runs July 1-31, and the public is invited to an opening reception 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5.
According to a June 13 news release from the library, “Pursuing her lifelong desire to study art and art history, Wendy Gallart received her undergraduate degree in fine arts and education. Subsequently, Wendy began her career in marketing and commercial art. Her career led to increasingly responsible positions at several Fortune 500 companies, where she directed design and public relations teams through branding and logo designs, extensive advertising and public relations campaigns and product launches.
The Speers Gallery at the Kennebunk Free Library will present Recent Works, an exhibition of watercolor, pastel, and pencil by Kennebunk resident Wendy Gallart. The exhibit runs July 1-31, and the public is invited to an opening reception 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5. Courtesy image
“Wendy then applied her knowledge and experience to the not-for-profit sector. She received a masters of public administration and then worked toward bettering the health and welfare of animals. Since her retirement, she has returned to her true loves, drawing and painting. She has studied under internationally renowned painters and teachers such as Peter Barnet and Theresa Troise Heidel and currently works with local artist Russell Whitten. In addition, she has remained an avid collector of photography and fine art through her past business connections with auction houses and dealers.
“Wendy enjoys the beauty of the hills, fields and coastline of southern Maine every day, often accompanied by her dog Summer. She primarily works in watercolor and has recently begun to show her work in York County community venues.”
The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery from July 1-31 at 112 Main St., Kennebunk, during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. For library hours and gallery access, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.
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Southern Maine Health Care announces new chief operating officer
Southern Maine Health Care announced last week that Kathryn Cope will serve as its new chief operating officer. Cope currently serves as vice president of operations and critical care at Maine Medical Center, a role she assumed in 2019.
Cope takes over for Nathan Howell, who was named president and CEO of MaineGeneral Health in Augusta.
“Kathryn is an experienced health care executive with more than 25 years of experience in acute care clinical operations, finance, and service line strategy,” said Joel Botler, MD, chief medical officer and interim president of MaineHealth’s Southern Region, which includes both SMHC and MMC, in an email. “Her experience as a community-oriented collaborator with proven skills in advancing innovative solutions to complex challenges make her a perfect fit for SMHC.”
Cope earned her undergraduate degree in economics and classics from Bowdoin College and her MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia. She has been at Maine Medical Center since 2012, serving in several leadership roles before her current position.
Authors to visit Graves Library
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Graves Library announced that it will host several authors in June, including the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. on Monday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m.
Levenson will discuss “Witness to Dignity” and his personal relationship with George H.W. and Barbara Bush. “Witness to Dignity” details Levenson’s relationship with the former president and his wife.
On Thursday, June 29, at 10:30 a.m., Maureen Lee and Jennifer Cooley, authors of the children’s book, “A Puppy in Maine,” will be at Graves Library. The family program will include a craft.
On Thursday, June 29, at 6 p.m., Mike Urban, New England author (and editor), will visit and share stories from “Unique Eats and Eateries of Maine,” his newest book. The library will serve a Maine dessert.
Copies of the books will be for sale and signing after each presentation. Light refreshments will be served.
The Library is located at 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport. For more information, call 967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.
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Maine Women in the Arts names award winners
Ellen Pelletier Courtesy photo
Maine Women in the Arts launched its 2023 show season with its annual Awards Show on May 26-28.
Forty-two local artists participated with their work being judged by Heather Lewis. Lewis is a studio arts instructor. She has taught and conducted workshops throughout the northeast. She currently is a studio arts professor at York County Community College in Wells (20 years), and The River Tree Arts Center (10 years) in Kennebunk.
First-place recipient was Ellen Pelletier for her pastel “Moonlit.” Show attendees were asked to vote for their favorite piece of artwork and that people’s choice award went to Kathy Chase for her oil painting, “Three Seconds in Time at Boothbay.”
There were six other awards presented at the show.
Second place went to Mary Greto-Brunner for her acrylic/mixed media piece titled “What the Wind Knows.” Third place was Norma Johnson’s pastel “Workshop.” Three honorable mentions included Anne Bertucci’s woven piece, “An Aspect of Pitch;” Ellen Blum’s photograph, “The Tides;” and Lisa Roderick’s oil, “Evening Reflections.” In addition, Sarah Ostrov’s pastel, “Early Spring,” was a judge’s choice.
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Maine Women in the Arts has four shows a year. The next show will be July 28-30.
Kathy Chase Courtesy photo
The objective of Maine Women in the Arts is to promote and give exposure to local artists and their work in all media. For more information about MWA, visit www.mainewomenarts.com.
Art Guild of the Kennebunks awards scholarship
Kennebunk High School graduate Emily Mains is the recipient of the annual $500 scholarship awarded each year by the Art Guild of the Kennebunks … along with another five scholarships awarded by other service organizations.
According to an Art Guild of the Kennebunks news release, “Emily’s forte is metalsmithing which she studied in the Kennebunk High School Alternative Education Program, turning out a variety of ornamental pieces (rings, bracelets, pendants, etc.) featuring combinations of different metals coupled with designs in glass or gemstones.
“Metalsmithing, however, will have to go forward as a much loved hobby, for her true interest lies in cosmetology — her goal: to make her way into the glamor of movies.”
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Most artists can trace their passion to some early moment in which they could actually feel the tug of pencil or brush — or whatever a given medium requires for tools. For Emily it was her mother’s love of crafts. “She was always engaged in some project or another,” Mains said in an email.
Kennebunk High School graduate Emily Mains, recipient of the 2023 Art Guild of the Kennebunks Art Scholarship, at work in her metalsmithing studio. Courtesy photo
A major part of the alternative program involved experiences outside the normal school environment; traveling to different locations of cultural or natural interest and volunteering in certain work projects. “This broadens the world view,” Mains said. “It has made me much more open-minded.”
The Art Guild of the Kennebunks is a juried art organization representing artists throughout southern Maine. It sponsors exhibitions during the spring and summer months and during the annual Winter Prelude in Kennebunkport. Each year it awards a scholarship to a graduating Kennebunk High School senior who has shown both interest and achievement in the arts.
Kennebunk High School graduate Emily Mains, recipient of the 2023 Art Guild of the Kennebunks Art Scholarship, at work in her metalsmithing studio.
Model of Positive Living Award nominees wanted
The Center is seeking nominations for its ninth annual Model of Positive Living Award.
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According to a June 19 news release, “The Model of Positive Living Award is given to a community member who is 50 or older who makes a difference in the lives of others through kind gestures, volunteerism and a can-do attitude. We are looking for individuals who live their lives with vitality and compassion. We’re confident you know someone who has demonstrated these inspiring traits. Help us recognize their impact and influence.”
To fill out a nomination form, visit www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org. The deadline to nominate is Aug. 1. To make a submission, call 207-967-8514 or email [email protected] The award will be announced by The Center in September.
Arundel will conduct RSU 21 recount
The town of Arundel sent out notice on Tuesday, June 20, that on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. a recount for the RSU 21 director three-year term would take place at the Arundel Municipal Building in the Town Meeting Room.
Registration open for eighth annual charity 5K
Spurling Fitness announced it will host its eighth annual Spurling Charity 5K on Saturday Aug. 12. The family-friendly event invites participants to “walk, run or dance” across the finish line. The event, designed for all ages and abilities, begins at 8 a.m.
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Each year, a new beneficiary is chosen. This year’s event will benefit The Center for Grieving Children, Maine.
Registration is open and costs $25 for those who sign up by July 15. The first 100 registrants are guaranteed a race T-shirt. To register, visit https://racewire.com/register.php?id=13534.
Stuffed animal adoption at Kennebunk Free Library
On Wednesday, June 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., Kennebunk Free Library will be an adoption center for stuffed animals that are looking for forever homes. Drop in during adoption hours to pick out a stuffie to keep.
Participants will also receive an adoption certificate to take home. The Animal Welfare Society will be on hand to talk about their organization. While at the library, participants are encouraged to sign up for this year’s summer reading program.
The program will be held outside of the Children’s Room. In the event of rain, the program will be inside the Children’s Room. The event is free and wheelchair accessible. Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St., Kennebunk.
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For more information, call 985-2173. The Stuffed Animal Adoption is part of All Together Now summer reading program. For more information about summer programs, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.
Library plans ‘Groovy 60s’ summer reading party
This year’s summer reading theme is All Together Now at Kennebunk Free Library. On June 26 from 5-7 p.m., the library will host a Groovy 60s Party. Participants are encouraged to dress in a 1960s-era costume. The party will include a DJ, crafts for all ages, games, a photo booth, and treats.
All ages are welcome to participate in the summer reading program and keep track of how many hours they’ve read using a paper log and earn raffle tickets for local business gift cards. All ages will be eligible to enter a raffle in their age group. The summer reading program will run from June 26 to Aug. 19. Programs offered include:
Adults
· Shank Painters pirate band
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· Carey Kish, author of Beer Hiking New England
· Craft programs for adults
Teens (ages 10 and older)
· Teen Tie Dye Party
· Dungeons and Dragons
· Anime Club
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· Mario Kart Tournament
Children
· Stuffed Animal Adoption
· Special guests Mad Science of Maine and Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
· 31st Annual Pet Parade and Show
· Messy Art
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All ages
· Groovy 60s Summer Reading Kickoff Party
· Ice Cream Social Finale Party
For more information, call 985-2173.
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Captivating captures: A stunning glimpse into the wonders of global and Israeli natur
The Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv will open Local Nature, Global Nature on Wednesday, featuring two complementary nature photography exhibitions: Picture of Nature and the international exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year from the Natural History Museum in London.
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The exhibitions are presented side by side, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the natural world and its future. This marks the sixth time that these two exhibitions are showcased together at the museum.
14 View gallery
An avocet lands in a winter puddle, during a chilly, overcast morning, against the backdrop of the sunrise on HaCarmel Beach
(Photo: Yosi Hen)
The Picture of Nature Exhibition, organized by the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv in collaboration with the Nature Photographers Association, showcases images from the natural world of Israel, including wildlife, plant life, and ecological systems in our region.
The exhibition’s panel, composed of professional nature photography experts, anonymously selected the winning photographs through a judging process. The winners of the local photography competition categories will be announced at the opening ceremony on June 20. Nature photographers from Israel and around the world will present selected photographs, video works, and more in these exhibitions.
This year, over 4,000 photographs were submitted to the competition, captured by 410 photographers, from which 45 participants were chosen to display 60 photographs and four video works in the following categories: Birds, Mammals, Humans and Nature, Abstract in Nature, Invertebrates, Reptiles and Amphibians, the Submarine World, Landscape Photography, Documentary and Youth Photographers.
14 View gallery
A Balkan terrapin and a Northern banded groundling firefly
(Photo: Tzahi Finkelstein)
Among the featured photographs, there is an image of a turtle and a firefly captured by Tzahi Finkelstein in the Jezreel Valley. This particular photograph received extensive coverage in the past year. In the description of the image, it was written that it captures a “unique moment between two very different creatures: a Balkan terrapin and a Northern banded groundling firefly, perched on its nose. In this case, the firefly saw the turtle’s nose, elevated and protruding from the water, as a suitable landing spot, and it appears that the ‘smiling’ turtle was surprised by its unexpected guest.”
Another photo to be displayed at the exhibition, which has already won third place in the global Ocean Art competition, depicts a coral spawning event and was captured in Eilat. “Catching coral spawning is tricky business as it usually happens only once a year in a certain month of the year, on a specific night of the month, and at a certain hour of the night for a very short time window of only a few minutes.
Usually, at the exact same time, thousands of corals of a given species along hundreds of kilometers of the reef reproduce by spawning egg-and-sperm bundles altogether into the open sea. These bundles will be carried away by the currents, mixing in the water, until they finally encounter a match—a sperm will fertilize an egg and new life will be created.”
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is a prestigious photography competition initiated by the Natural History Museum in London. It is considered the largest and most esteemed nature photography exhibition of its kind worldwide. Serving as a platform to showcase the top-ranking photographs from the competition, the exhibition travels across the globe, captivating millions of visitors.
Additional photographs from the Israeli Nature exhibition
Photographs from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
