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The Coral Gables Garden Club’s third annual “As I See It” photography contest has surpassed all expectations, earning praise from photography expert Judge Wendy Shattil. Shattil, renowned for her contributions to nature photography and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association), declared that the submissions in nature and wildlife photography categories were the best to date.
This inspiring contest enhances our connection with the natural world by showcasing exceptional nature and wildlife photography. The competition featured eight captivating categories: Sustainability, Textures and Patterns, The Natural World, Capturing Light, Flowers, Trees and Plants, Wildlife, Nature at Night, and nature photos in monochrome.
As a remarkable kickoff to the 99th club year, the garden club was honored with an invitation to exhibit the top 25 winning images at the prestigious Coral Gables Museum, located at 285 Aragon Avenue. These captivating images share gallery space with the top 25 winning entries from the 9th annual Capture Coral Gables photography exhibit. Susan Rodriguez, President of the Coral Gables Garden Club, said, “This marks the first time our talented finalists and winners have been invited to a museum-quality exhibition, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the Coral Gables Museum. We do not doubt that the public will be deeply moved by the exquisite quality and beauty captured in our contestants’ photos.”
The Capture Coral Gables contest, which celebrates “The City Beautiful,” presents a unique perspective on the city. This year’s contest introduced three special categories: Florida on Film, AI Memories of Coral Gables, and The True Coral Gables (social media photography). Yuni Villalonga, Director of Curatorial Programs at the Museum, commented on the Museum’s commitment to embracing classic analog photography and the latest technological trends to expand the possibilities for photographers.
The exhibition officially opened on August 10th, drawing an impressive crowd of over 250 attendees for the preview. It will remain open to the public until October 1st. Visitors are encouraged to bring their friends, enjoy a delightful lunch at Book & Books, and take the opportunity to explore this captivating exhibition alongside several other stunning installations.
Additionally, the PEOPLE’S CHOICE Award will be decided through online voting throughout the exhibition, with the winner set to be announced at the closing reception during the Museum’s Gallery Night on Friday, October 7th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. A new addition to this occasion is the ACQUISITION PRIZE, where one exceptional piece will become a part of the Coral Gables Museum’s esteemed collection.
The Coral Gables Garden Club, a not-for-profit organization, educates youth and the broader public in various aspects of gardening, horticulture, environmental issues, community beautification, and floral design. To discover more about the club’s mission and activities, please visit our website at www.coralgablesgardenclub.org.