In 2020 the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Town of Oro Valley partnered to establish a unique project to engage and empower the community. Oro Valley Community Photography Competition was established to capture the essence of Oro Valley life, animals, outdoor spaces, and the experience of life within the community.
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The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Town of Oro Valley are partnering up once again to capture the essence of Oro Valley life, animals, outdoor spaces, urban and residential life, and experience of life within the community, with the inaugural Oro Valley Community Photography Competition.
The competition aims to reveal the essence of Oro Valley through the lens of a camera, transporting us to unique landmarks, introduce us to new friends and neighbors, and help us rediscover the beauty in our backyards. Most importantly, the competition will promote the rich history, robust life, and natural beauty of Oro Valley.
In 2021, the competition drew inspiration from various themes, with some of the most popular featuring wildlife, the breathtaking natural landscape of Oro Valley, and the serenity and extremes of both weather and outdoor activities during COVID-19.
The 2023 competition will provide three main categories for submission, including major themes of People, Places & Nature, and Animals & Wildlife. More information on these category descriptions can be found on the competition website. Cash prizes will be provided in each of the categories for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place and two Honorable Mention Ribbons in each category. A special Youth category has been established to encourage participation from entrants under the age of 18.
The competition aims to reveal the essence of Oro Valley through the lens of a camera, transporting us to unique landmarks, introduce us to new friends and neighbors, and help us rediscover the beauty in our backyards. Most importantly, the competition will promote the rich history, robust life, and natural beauty of Oro Valley.
In 2021, the competition drew inspiration from various themes, with some of the most popular featuring wildlife, the breathtaking natural landscape of Oro Valley, and the serenity and extremes of both weather and outdoor activities during COVID-19.
The 2023 competition will provide three main categories for submission, including major themes of People, Places & Nature, and Animals & Wildlife. More information on these category descriptions can be found on the competition website. Cash prizes will be provided in each of the categories for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place and two Honorable Mention Ribbons in each category. A special Youth category has been established to encourage participation from entrants under the age of 18.
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“We know Oro Valley is an attractive community,” said Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield. “But to see it captured in such a stunning and unique way by these photographers is a testament to community engagement and the arts. These unique opportunities are made possible by our partnership with SAACA, and we are grateful for their creative vision. I would also like to extend a personal thank you to each and every person who photographed the community we love, and entered their photos in the contest.”
The competition garnered nearly 400 entries from both youth and adult photographers, which profoundly reveal the essence of Oro Valley through the lens of a camera. The collection of photographs transport us to unique landmarks, introduces us to new friends and neighbors, and immerses us in the beauty of nature shown only in the way a camera can. |
Livingston, Honeybee Park, 03/04/2021, DJI Mavic Air 2, My First Try, New Perspectives, This is my first try at aerial photography.
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Caymin Hannan, "Bowl Of Fire", Hilltop near Ram's Field Pass neighborhood, 06/07/2020
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"These photographs manage to stop you, make you look twice, and feel what the individual taking the picture was feeling in that very moment. The entries have so much soul and richly embody how our surrounding environment impacts our life," said Kate Marquez, Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance. "We were honored to promote a project during a time of pandemic that allowed us to connect to the community in such an inspirational and creative way."
Five local professional photographers and artists scored the Oro Valley Photography Competition entries. Featured judges include Amy Crater, Pat Deely, Elsa Jacklitch, Steven Pope, and Jay Walsh. |
SAACA and the Town of Oro Valley will be partnering again to produce the 2023 Oro Valley Community Photography Competition, with entries being submitted beginning in November 2022 through March 2023.