Best in Show photograph ‘CLIC’s’ with jurors

The 2011 “Best in Show” winner is Dawn Oosterhoff of Ottawa, for her image “Driver’s Seat”

As organizers finalize details for the CLIC Eastern Ontario Photo Show and Sale, July 30th to Aug. 7th in Picton, the show’s jurors (acclaimed Canadian photographers John DeVisser, Pat LaCroix and Lynda Wilde) announce the 2011 “Best in Show” winner is Dawn Oosterhoff of Ottawa, for her image “Driver’s Seat”.

Oosterhoff is also being awarded the Doug Boult Award for Excellence In Photography. She will be presented with both prestigious awards, including a $200 cash prize, from the Prince Edward County Arts Council, at opening night celebrations Saturday, July 30th at 7 p.m. at the second floor Gallery of Books & Company, Main Street, Picton.

After reviewing close to 300 submissions, the juror’s decision about the “Best in Show” image was unanimous.
“For us, this image brought to mind the “story telling paintings” of Norman Rockwell. Dawn clearly translated a moment that will reach out and touch everyone who sees this fantastic shot,” said juror and award-winning photographer, Pat LaCroix.

The Eastern Ontario Photo Show was established in 2010 to celebrate photography as an art form and the creative vision of photographers from across Eastern Ontario. The inaugural show in 2010 was a huge success with more than 70 photographers participating and 1,200 visitors to the show over nine days. The 2011 show is already shaping up to be a great success with more than 100 photographers juried-in and more than 160 stunning images being readied for display.

“The quality of the images this year is astounding”, said LaCroix. “This photography show is a real testament to the craft, and I am thrilled to see an exhibition of this calibre growing and thriving in Eastern Ontario,” he added. “I think everyone is going to be very impressed – it’s going to be a real treat to take in this show.”

With the support of presenting sponsors, CLIC organizers have installed a new hanging system enabling them (and future visual arts shows at the gallery) to expand the number of works that can be displayed. Presenting Sponsors for the 2011 show are the Prince Edward County Arts Council (with support from the Ontario Arts Council), PhotoLife Magazine; Fire Engine Inc. Creative & Design; Jeffx.org Website Design; the new Classical 96.3 FM; and Laurie Gruer and Sam Simone of Chestnut Park Realty.

The CLIC show & sale is open to all professional, amateur and student photographers residing in the Eastern Ontario catchment area – from the Northern Ontario/Quebec border to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in the south, and from Petawawa to Port Hope and all areas east of this line in Ontario. The Student division is open to students enrolled in secondary school, college or university.

In addition to choosing images for the show and sale, jurors have also chosen award winners in the adult and student divisions, in both colour and black and white categories. Honorable mentions will also be announced at the opening night ceremonies. All show visitors will be given a ballot to vote on the “People’s Choice Award” winner. The winner will be announced at the closing of the show on Aug. 7th at 2 p.m.

For additional show and visitor information, visit www.easternontariophotoshow.com.