2020 Gordon Parks Photo Contest Winners
The Gordon Parks Museum Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott, KS
For Immediate Release: October 30, 2020 Contact: Kirk Sharp at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 Email: kirks@fortscott.edu
2020 Gordon Parks Celebration Photo Contest Winners Named
FORT SCOTT — Winners of the Gordon Parks Museum “Social Justice, Diversity, and Equity” photo contest, sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography, have been chosen. Fifteen entries were received and the winner of First Place was Yasser Alaa Mobarak (Alexandria, Egypt.) with the photo titled “Peace.” Second Place was Karen Cayce (Wichita, KS) with the photo “A “Grand” Family!.” Third Place was Noelle Griffin (Leawood, KS) with the photo, “Leading the March.”
There were 3 Honorable Mentions named: “Everyone have same authority and priority.” by Mandar Phirke (Maharashtra, India.); “Searching For Justice.” by “Karen Cayce (Wichita, KS); and Still Standing.” by Noelle Griffin (Leawood, KS). First, Second, and Third place winners received cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 respectively.
The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by the Gordon Parks who was a champion in the fight for social justice and racial equity. His weapons of choice was a camera to fight against racism, discrimination, and poverty.
“Even though we didn’t receive as many photo entries as last year, the entries we received very powerful, impressive, and thought provoking. The judges were very impressed with all of the photographers striking images with this year’s theme along with the use of depth of field. Just like last year, it was very difficult for the judges to determine the winner with all of the great entries,” said museum director Kirk Sharp. Judges for the competition were Merl Humphrey, Kassie Fugate-Cate, and Tammy Helm.
The photo exhibit is on display in the Lunt Lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center through November 13th. The building is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.