This free show is one of the organization’s largest events and is open to members and non-members between the ages of five and 65-plus. This month, the photography show is running from July 7th–30th, with an awards reception on July 14th from 5–7 p.m. In keeping with KIFA’s tradition, there are five photography categories and five age divisions that help organize the submissions and allow a fair chance for awarding prizes. The photography categories are People Plus, Nature, Black and White, Abstract and Experimental, and General (landscapes, architecture, and more). These categories are open to interpretation and
reflect a variety of interests that resonate with the broad range of photographers as well as viewers. The age divisions are youth, beginner, professional, amateur, and silver heron (65-plus). “When we judge the [photography] show, we’ll only critique the youth and amateur to give them something to grow with,” says Photo Committee Chair Jack Ehmann. “We are very excited for this year’s show because at KIFA we are always concerned about the budding artist and are pleased to be able to offer photography classes and camps for all ages.”
Every year KIFA invites a special guest judge to choose winners. Ehmann is delighted to have former National Geographic Society photographer and photography mentor Jim Amos judging this year’s show. “Jim has actually judged for KIFA before and I felt like his more than 25-year career and willingness to help amateur and professional photographers is a good fit for our show,” says Ehmann.
Many of the entrants and guests appreciate the KIFA awards reception the most because it gives photographers and viewers the opportunity to mingle and see firsthand the awards being given out. “Part of our mission is to bring people in [to KIFA] to appreciate art,” says Ehmann. For more information, visit kifa.us or call 410-643-7424.
