FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2013
Contact: Sara J.R. Faust, President OPDC
708-383-3838, S.Faust@opdc.net
Collaborative Photo Contest Captures Oak Park Through Residents’ Lenses
From streetscapes to swing sets, the Oak Park Development Corporation (OPDC) received a number of unique entries for the first Oak Park Community Photo Contest organized by four not-for-profits and the Village of Oak Park. The purpose of the contest was to engage residents and create a collection of photos for use in community marketing. A panel of local community members judged the photos to determine which best demonstrated creativity, originality and photo quality - selecting a best over-all and runners up in each category for both professional and amateur participants.
Through a generous sponsorship provided by Holiday Camera in Oak Park, the winners in each category will receive a professionally matted print, with the winning shot being fully framed. All ten winning shots will be on display at the Oak Park Area Arts Council’s Gallery in Village Hall during the months of June and July.
There was a diverse collection of photos submitted, but the winners that were chosen best demonstrated what the contest represented – Oak Park. “Swung to Death” by Max DeGenova won the best overall photo. The winner was unanimously selected due to the photo’s unique lighting and perspective of a local park.
The following photos won for the best professional category: “Oak Park Public Library” by Patricia Gagliano for Education, “Euro Flare” by Patricia Gagliano for Art & Architecture, “OPRF Track Practice” by Patricia Gagliano for Recreation, and “Shopping District” by Patricia Gagliano for Business. The following photos won for the best amateur category: “Foggy Morning in Oak Park” by Matt Baron for Recreation, “Mural Painting” by Inga Simitz for Education, “Shopping at Visitors Center” by Ildiko Kresz for Business, “Untitled” by Valerie Foltz for Home & Family, and “The Son also Sat” by Seth Arkin for Art & Architecture. The runners up for each category included: “Shop Local” by Inga Simitz for Business, “Fern” by Valerie Foltz for Home & Family, “Rake” by Valerie Foltz for Recreation, “80 Years of Oak Park” by Ted Glasoe for Education, and “Oak Park Art District” by Patricia Gagliano for Art & Architecture.
The photo contest was one part of a larger picture. Earlier this year OPDC initiated a collaborative effort with the Oak Park Area Arts Council, The Oak Park Regional Housing Center, the Village of Oak Park, and the YMCA to begin to pool and share Oak Park images. This is a small step towards more cooperative marketing for these organizations. These efforts are part of an OPDC internship experience for Concordia University senior, Ashley Gargula.
