Juror's Statement & Awards

$200 Cash Award – James Smith, Meadowlark Wings, Hays, KS

$125 Cash Award – Kellie Carter, Watching You, Watching Me,  Newcastle, OK

$100 Cash Award – Audrey Powles, Veil of Grass, Gaze of Fire, Bingham, NE

$75   Cash Award – Heather Brantman, Creek Bed, Westwood, KS

$200 Cash Award – Jenna Scofield, Elegance, Norton, KS

$125 Cash Award – Jerry Burnett Olschki, Your Move, Kansas City, MO

$100 Cash Award – Marciana Vequist, Immersion, Lawrence, KS

$75   Cash Award – Ivan Veldhuizen, Thinking, Overland Park, KS

$200 Cash Award – Linda Hamlin, Flamboyance, Winfield, KS

$125 Cash Award – Daniela Salinas, Peace and Fame Within the Frame, Hays, KS

$100 Cash Award – Kathleen Kuchar, Crystal Bridges, Hays, KS

$75   Cash Award – Johanna Walker, Lay Me Down to Sleep, Franklin KS

Sharon Burris, Laundry Day, Italy, Ardmore, OK

James Claassen, It's November. Survived another day, Meade, KS

Bill Dooley, Intrigue, Shawnee KS

Krista Ivey, Glimpse, Victoria KS

Krista Ivey, Expectation, Victoria KS

Jerry Burnett Olschki, Reflection, from Kansas City, MO

Ingrid Palmore, Red White and Blue, Pleasant Hill, MO

Jolynn Reed, Days in Rodanthe, Oklahoma City, OK

Kelly Smith, City Hall Station, NYC, Wichita, KS

James Smith, Meadowlark at Sunset, from Hays, KS

Randy Watkins, Banned Owlet, Cushing, OK

Randy Watkins, The Catch, Cushing, OK

"Without a doubt, the task of judging exquisite photography in this year’s 42nd annual Five State Photography Exhibition was a rewording and challenging experience. From well over 600 prints that were entered, it was an intricate process of selecting down to a cohesive show of only 150 works of art. I was impressed with the level of technical expertise demonstrated by some and the amazing aesthetic achievements presented.

Unfortunately, not all individuals’ work can be selected or highlighted for the exhibition. As a juror, my task was to narrow down from all the entries to a select amount of work that illustrated a finished representation between concept and execution. I approached the jurying process without any preconceived notions as I carefully reviewed all the works entered before I started the judging process.

As I began to evaluate each image, I looked for fresh ideas, a personal or unique vision and sensibility; how well was the composition of the imagery organized and communicated on the print? Was there a center of interest? Did the work stand technically on its own? Did the artist demonstrate a command of technical competence of the camera, lighting, and processes? Was I moved by the image and did it tell a story? These are vital characteristics of any photographic works of art; they are what stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder or feel a desire to know more about the print and/or artist.

We are in an interesting time for our medium. Photography is evolving into something entirely new. From an alternative process perspective with a better than suitable marriage between film and paper, to the upcoming generation of photographic artists, schooled with the pixilated sterility of digital imaging using one’s hands to make an aesthetic image. No matter what the medium, we can only perceive in our own minds what the artist is trying to express. Thankfully, art is not a science. In essence, it is acceptance without analysis. A photographer/artist who creates an image is really the only one that ultimately understands the true vision and content of their photograph.

The job of judging this year’s composition was a great pleasure. I would like to offer my congratulations to all who entered and put their work forward to be judged. Congratulations to the award winners for presenting outstanding images that tantalized me in some way with your visions. Thank you, Hays Art Center, and staff for your dedication, hospitality, professional and personal assistance during my visit. This exhibition clearly demonstrated that these artists truly occupy a unique and special place in the photographic world today. Thank you one and all for sharing your visions and your talent. It was an honor to view and judge your work."

John Finch

Finch Fine Art Photography