“Portraits of a Garden” Photo Contest Winners

Reception held on January 17, 2008

On January 17, 2008 a reception was held at Tulsa Garden Center for all amateur photographers participating in the Portraits of a Garden Photo Contest and Exhibit and their guests.

Attendees enjoyed a lovely array of hors d’oeuvres accompanied by wine and punch while strolling though the display of enchanting photos. During the reception, winners were announced by TGC Interim Executive Director Mike Blake and presented with their prize or certificate. Judges for the exhibit were Natalie Green, Owner of Apertures Photographic Services, Inc., Karen Harris, amateur photographer and David Varmecky, photography instructor and MFA Candidate at University of Tulsa. Judge Natalie Green spoke on the judging criteria and gave some professional hints to all the photographers.

This is the fourth year Tulsa Garden Center has hosted Portraits of a Garden. This event showcases Tulsa Area amateur talent. This year’s event was one of the largest with 91 artists exhibiting 377 photographs.

Walking through the exhibit is like spending a sunny afternoon in a variety of different gardens. You will see butterflies, dogs frolicking in flowers, dragon flies and experience the tranquility of a water garden. This exhibit adds color to the dreary cold winter days.

This year’s contest was dominated by Richard Waters, an extremely talented photographer, who captured five of the six themed categories, as well as “Best of Show.”

Winners by Category:

Children’s Category

1st Natalie Thomas

2nd Natalie Thomas

3rd T.J. Edwards

Honorable Mention: T.J. Edwards, Seth Roberts, Natalie Thomas,

Rachel Thompson

Youth Category

1st Luke Thompson

2nd Rachel Games

3rd Stephen Smith

Honorable Mention: Emily Berndt, Stephen Smith, Luke Thompson

Linnaeus Teaching Gardens

1st Anna Speed

2nd Jessica Drake

3rd Jim Coles

Seasons in the Garden Category

1st Richard Waters

2nd Susie Games

3rd Jennifer Bridges

Honorable Mention: Carolyn Alred, Susie Games, Carla Gilbert, Pat Vawter

Water Features Category

1st Richard Waters

2nd Suzi Bechtold

3rd Janet Robbins

Honorable Mention: Lois Cordes, Kelley Rawlsky, Jo Reese, Laura Wright

Woodward Park Category

1st Richard Waters

2nd Stanley Schwartz

3rd Stephanie Lowery

Honorable Mention: Suzi Bechtold, Stanley Schwartz, Stephen Smith

Winged Things in the Garden Category

1st Richard Waters

2nd Carolyn Myers

3rd Sandra Kimbell

Honorable Mention: Suzi Bechtold, Barbara Nottingham, John Olendorff, Debbie Smith-Berlin

General Garden Photos Category

1st Richard Waters

2nd Connie Williams

3rd Linda Jo Cupps

Honorable Mention: Stephanie Lowery, Diana Overton, Stanley Schwartz,

Pat Vawter

Best in Show:

Richard Waters –

General Garden Photo

People’s Choice Award:

Tie: Sandra Kimbell and

TJ Edwards

The Tulsa Garden Center hours are 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday. For more information call 746-5125 or visit our website at www.tulsagardencenter.com

For more information, contact

Tulsa Garden Center

www.tulsagardencenter.com

(918) 746-5125