Exhibit open at Cultural Arts Center until July 28
Winners of the Fran Achen Photography Competition were announced on Sunday, July 14 at the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Cultural Arts Center. The winners in the following categories include:
Youth
1.) Butterfly – Johnny Stutzman
2.) Maid of the Mist –Johnny Stutzman
3.) My Great-Grandma is 93 – David Kromholz
Amateur Adult
1.) Maple Leaves on Black Lake – Laura Froh
2.) Milkweeds – Robert Buell
3.) Autumn Oak – Jim Kuchler
Honorable Mention: Winter’s Morning Fog – Debra Hall
Accomplished Adult
1.) Tulips – Darlene Jansen
2.) The Lines Have It –Lester Crisman
3.) Prairie Bob – Terry Mayer
Honorable Mention: Barred Owl – Everett Long
Best of Show
Midnight Crossing – Chap Achen (son of Fran Achen)
More than 100 photographs from area youth, teens and adults are on display through July 28 at the CAC, 402 W. Main St.
Judges Mark McPhail and Robert Mertens, both board members of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, were on hand to share their thoughts about the photographs.
McPhail is an accomplished photographer in his own right and Mertens is an artist, and both are affiliated with the College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (McPhail as dean and Mertens as associate dean).
Katherine Conover, chair of the exhibit and board member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, announced the winners. Both judges commented on the high quality of the work and that there were so many good photos that even they had to deliberate on some before making a final decision.
Voters can still stop by and vote for the Viewers’ Choice Award, which will be announced on the last day of the show, Sunday, July 28. The show will be open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. through July 28.
Fran Achen was a longtime Whitewater resident, teacher, and local photographer. However, he is best remembered for his photographic collection, which chronicles the history of Whitewater. To honor his memory, the Whitewater Arts Alliance has created this yearly photographic tribute that recognizes the artistic talents of youth, teens and adults.
