GRAND CASE:--- Residents and tourists of all ages are welcome to continue entering the 2014 Heritage Photo Contest, announced the Les Fruits de Mer Association. An official extension of the entry deadline to June 15th has been approved to allow more people to share their photography and ideas about the island. The Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition was developed by Les Fruits de Mer to showcase art created here on St. Martin/St. Maarten, and to engage residents–especially kids–in thinking about their heritage.
The theme of this year's contest, "Vibrant and Vulnerable", follows a unique format. Each entry includes two photos–one representing a "Vibrant" aspect of the island and one representing a "Vulnerable" aspect–and the artist's statement about the photo selections. Although this format is specific, it is also open to interpretation, and the dozens of entries already received touch on many different facets of local heritage, from plants, animals and landscape, to history, architecture and culture. "It's an unusual format for a photo contest, and it's resulting in some very compelling stories about the island. Seeing this amazing thing happening in the submissions made us realize it was important to extend the time to give more people the chance to share their stories," explains Les Fruits de Mer co-founder Mark Yokoyama, a nature photographer.
Contest organizers are especially hoping to inspire kids and teens to participate, and there is a special prize for the best youth entry. Teachers and leaders of student and youth groups who are interested in getting their kids involved are encouraged to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.
"We'd like to invite everyone to visit the online Heritage Gallery to check out the spectacular images, stories, and memories about the island that talented local photographers of every age are submitting," says Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes, "And of course to enter!" "You can submit your photos anytime between now and June 15th, so enter now and often!" adds Yokoyama. Entry is free, open to all ages, and people can enter as many times as they like. The Heritage Gallery of current entries and all contest information, including how to enter, can be found at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/vibrant-and-vulnerable/.
All qualifying entries will go on display in the online Heritage Gallery. Judging will take place after the submissions period ends, and selected entries will be featured in the Heritage Photo Exhibition, which will be open to the public. Awards will be given for the winning entries in three categories: Adult, Under 18 and People's Choice. The 2014 Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition is managed by the Les Fruits de Mer Association, with funding from Be the Change SXM.