Three local photographers have been named as finalists in the Walton Arts Center’s first Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival photo contest. Public voting is now open for the contest’s Community Choice Award.
Photos by Mike Price, Craig Underwood and Maurice Konkle will be on display outside of McBride Studio at Walton Arts Center June 10-14, at Arts Center of the Ozarks June 17-21 and then return to Walton Arts Center for the final week of Artosphere, June 24-29.
Each photographer has a photo in the Community Choice Competition, which is open for public voting through June 14. Visit the contest voting page to cast a vote for the Community Choice Award. The Community Choice Award winner will be announced on June 18.
The theme of this year’s Artosphere Festival is space, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing. To correspond with the theme each photographer’s submitted work had to feature their perception of space and how space inspires wonder, imagination and innovation.
Photo: Mike Price
Mike Price, “The Big Dipper”
Artist statement: “This scene was shot much closer to home, over at Kyle’s Landing along the Buffalo River. I had been hiking up Indian Creek that afternoon with a buddy and we did some night shooting at Twin Falls at Camp Orr. When we arrived back at camp the Big Dipper was in a perfect position straight overhead. So I got a fire going and we lit the tents and played with some 20-30 second exposures to capture the scene. Kyle’s Landing and Steel Creek are some of my favorite places to go in all of Arkansas.”
Photo: Maurice Konkle
Maurice Konkle, “Between Lamp and Glass”
Artist statement: “I took this photo while sitting comfortably on my living room couch. Late afternoon light fell on the lamp and passed through the glass. The background is just the plain white wall. I thought the edges of frame and empty space between were enough to tell the story. I hope the photo conveys the comfort and simple beauty of that moment.”
Photo: Craig Underwood
Craig Underwood, “The Dance”
Artist statement: “Every time I view this image, I can’t help but be mesmerized by the flow, rhythm and harmony of Antelope Canyon’s solid rock formations. I see a lady spinning on the dance floor with her cape flung open wide and the spotlights gleaming in the background.”
