Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Awards Presentation of the Labyrinth & Garden of the Groves 2nd Annual Junior Photographic Competition

Left to right: Bill Nelson, Rico Thompson, Lyndah Wells, Barbara Chester, Katie Hindley, Sarah Kowles, Candice Woon, and Kevin Winter Photo: Erika Gates
 
Freeport, Bahamas - It was good to see most of the entrants together with members of their families and other supporters at the charming little prize giving ceremony on the Labyrinth on Friday 23rd April, also Shakespeare's birthday!

Our young photographers once again presented the judges with difficult choices in selecting this year's winners. Consideration was given to all aspects of art, design, form, structure, lighting and presentation; in addition to other criteria and this year included an appropriate Shakespearean quotation to suit each entry. Some quotations were exceptionally well chosen and prompted the judges to make an additional award for exceptionally appropriate quotations. Sadly, we did not have any entries in the Primary category. Perhaps, the quotation requirement was off putting to the little ones.

Rico Thompson (a member of Lucaya Youth Theatre Society ) recited 'To be, or not to be' and Bill Nelson, also representing the LYTS gave a short talk on 'the man' himself, Shakespeare, whose birthday anniversary we honoured this year by including the Shakespearean quotation with each photographic entry.
 Lyndah Wells; Barbara Chester; Rico Thompson; Candice Woon (Jnr.Youth Winner) Photo: Erika Gates
 
[Photo- Powder Puff]
"The lunatic, the lover and the poet are of imagination all compact."
Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream


Darren Rollins and Alvin Smith took care of the set-up and sounds, which accompanied the early evening birdsong we so enjoy in the lovely Garden of the Groves; and Erika Gates captured the joy of the occasion, in her lovely photographs attached to this article. (I am sure the contestants are happy she is slightly over the age required to compete with them!)

Barbara Chester welcomed everyone, congratulated the contestants and introduced Lyndah Wells, one of Freeport's popular professional photographers, and chairman of our panel of judges. Lyndah spoke informatively on photography in general and the contestants' work in particular. She graciously presented the medals and awards in conjunction with Rico, who eloquently pronounced each quotation accompanying the photo.
 Lyndah Wells, Rico Thompson, Barbara Chester, Katie Hindley (Snr. Youth Winner) Photo: Erika Gates
 


[Photo– Leaf]
"What light through yonder window breaks?"
Shakespeare - Romeo & Juliet

Erika Gates has kindly arranged to display a selection of the photographic entries in the little chapel of the Garden of the Groves. We hope members of the public will come and admire this work of our young people and more will be encouraged to look for the beauty in creation which is so easy to find in this serene setting.
 Lyndah Wells, Rico Thompson, Barbara Chester, Kevin Winter (Outstanding entry) Photo: Erika Gates
 
Outstanding entry - 2010
Kevin Winter


 [Photo- Bougainvillea]
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin"
Shakespeare -Troilus & Cressida


Local actor Ricardo Thompson recited the Shakespearean quotes which accompanied this year's photography entries. Photo: Erika Gates


 Bill Nelson gave the audience some history of Shakespeare in light of his birthday and inclusion of Shakespearean quotes along with the entry requirements this year. Photo: Erika Gates


 All entries will later be available for collection from the Park entry of the Garden; telephone 374 7778.