Photographers of all skill levels and ages are encouraged to take part in the Welcome to Chelsea Photo Contest, with the final opportunity to submit entries this week.
The initiative is being led by Chelsea Prospers, a city-led effort to enhance vitality in the downtown area, in partnership with the Facebook group Chelsea MA Photography Club, which is managed by Matt Frank, a photographer and former City Councillor.
Submissions are due by next Thursday, May 31, and the organizers are looking forward to seeing what the community has to offer. More information and application details can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/PhotoContestforChelsea.
The contest is seeking images that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of life in the city.
“What people, places and things tell you that you are home? What image serves as invitation for others to visit Bellingham Square, Chelsea Square, Broadway? What does Chelsea mean to you? Everyone sees the city through a different lens, and we want you to show us your view!” they state.
Submissions will be accepted through May 31, 2018, via the contest website at https://tinyurl.com/PhotoContestforChelsea. A distinguished judging panel will select multiple winners in the following categories: Local Business; The People of Chelsea; Community; and Chelsea, Past and Present. A group of finalists will be nominated for the People’s Choice award, which will be decided by public voting on the Chelsea MA Photography Club Facebook page.
The winning photographs will be printed in large format and displayed in Gallery 456, a new storefront gallery set to open in the former Salvation Army building on Broadway. At the end of the summer exhibit, the winners will receive their framed, high-quality images, with additional prizes for the Best in Show and People’s Choice winners.
The judging panel includes the following individuals:
- Darlene DeVita is an award-winning fine art photographer who specializes in portraits that highlight the energy and humanity of her subjects. Her creative eye, patience, humor, and unobtrusive style have made her one of the most in-demand photographers in Greater Boston. In addition to wedding photography and fine art projects, she works from her studio in Chelsea. She previously served as Co-Director of the Gallery@Spencer Lofts for fourteen years, was a member of the Chelsea Cultural Council, and is a co-founder of CHARCOLL (Chelsea Artists Collaborative).
- Matt Frank has lived in Chelsea his entire life and served on the Chelsea City Council for ten years after four years on the Planning Board. His work in government, non-profit, and community-based initiatives focuses on public interest projects and policy. His passion for communications and community building, along with a deep appreciation for the beauty of city life, led him to pursue photography. He captures the essence of Chelsea with a painterly eye, highlighting its colors, textures, and moods.
- Roselee Vincent represents the 16th Suffolk District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which includes the communities of Revere, Chelsea, and Saugus. An advocate for the arts, Rep. Vincent served on the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, giving her the chance to meet with arts advocates across the state and understand the importance of the arts to local economies throughout the Commonwealth.
- Sury Chavez is a painter who was born in Los Angeles but spent much of her childhood in her ancestral home of Guatemala. Now living in East Boston, she draws inspiration from the colors, flora, and fauna of Central America. Local businesses such as The Cuscatlan, Bella Isla Express, and Pan y Café have partnered with Sury on decorative murals and menu boards. She is also collaborating with Chelsea’s Beautification Committee to create “Welcome to Chelsea” signs for key locations throughout the city.
- Marianne Ramos is a self-taught “outsider artist” who believes that everyone can express themselves through art. A Chelsea resident for the past 35 years, she is the Program Coordinator for the Chelsea Senior Center. What began as a necessity became the core of her artistic philosophy as she embraces a Do-it-Yourself approach and environmental responsibility by using recycled and non-toxic materials. Her civic involvement extends to her artwork, which is often displayed in community-focused settings.
In addition to the exhibit on Broadway, all submitted photographs will be used to help promote Chelsea as a great place to live and visit. These images will be included in a collection to be used by the City in various materials such as municipal reports, the city website, and informational brochures.