CPA members get photos ready for judging.

Cary, NC – They came in droves. Photographers from across the region streamed into the Cary Senior Center last week to submit their work in the Cary Photographic Artists Open Exhibition Contest.

The monetary prize was $500. But most didn’t do it for the money. They did it for the glory. 282 photos, all framed and matted, were submitted for judging by Diana Bloomfield and Vinny Colucci, both established professional photographers.

I submitted a couple of photos, but quickly realized my inkjet prints in Walmart frames were not going to make the cut. I asked my kids what they thought of my chances:

Older daughter: You’re toast.
Younger daughter: Yeah, you should team up with butter.

Colucci (L) and Bloomfield (R) judging the show.

The work on display was truly amazing. Landscapes, portraits and abstracts; prints on canvas and handmade paper; collages, photoshop and silver gelatin prints.

94 pieces were chosen for inclusion in the show (not mine). Eight artists were honored for their work:

• Best-in-Show: Chris Ogden
• 1st place: Meg Church
• 2nd place: Patrick Bartley
• 3rd Place Robert Vance

4 Honorable Mention awards:

• Joe Cabaleiro
• David Hyman
• Kirsten Lechner
• Ted Raper

Congratulations to all the winners and to CPA for pulling off this major event.

This show is a must-see. It runs through December 18, 2009, at the Cary Senior Center. A reception will be held at the Senior Center on Friday, December 4, from 5:30pm – 8pm.

Photos for this story by Hal Goodtree.