Delaware River and Bay Authority announces art and photography contest winners
Delaware River and Bay Authority officials have announced the winners of the agency’s 50th Anniversary Art and Photography Contest, held to commemorate the founding of the bistate agency on Sept. 20, 1962. The contest, which ran from late June through Sept. 10, invited the public to participate in the authority’s celebration by photographing, drawing or painting one of the agency’s facility locations.
“The contest generated a lot of enthusiasm, with participants submitting unique creations from as far away as California,” said Scott Green, executive director of the DRBA. “I am thrilled by the positive response and community involvement in the authority’s first ever art and photography contest. I want to thank everyone who participated. It was a tremendous success and a great way to involve the community in our anniversary celebration.”
Artists ranged in age from 8 to 75, and the authority received a unique collection of photographs, drawings, paintings and computer art. The independent judges were Scott Hewitt, a professional photographer in Wilmington; and Mary Rodgers, associate professor in the Visual and Performing Art Department at Salem Community College.
The contest was open to the public and divided into four categories: Children (age 4-9), Students (10-13); High School (14-17); and Adults (18 and older).
Eric Pritchett of Dover was selected the overall contest winner for his original digital painting featuring the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The category winners are listed as follows: Brandon McNeill of Downingtown, Pa., Children category winner; Sophia Bolton of North Cape May, N.J., Student category winner; Kaitlin Poling of Villas, N.J., High School category winner; and Rachel Espinoza of Fontana, Calif., Adult category winner.
Given the quality and number of entries, the authority created an Honorable Mention category to recognize additional participants for their efforts. Honorable Mention entries include: Catherine Gibson of Colts Neck, N.J.; Angeline M. Bolton of North Cape May, N.J.; Gianna Martinelli of Wilmington; Alyssa Caccese of Elmer, N.J.; Terri Ely of Bridgeton, N.J.; Joseph Brennan of Lower Township, N.J.; and Bradley Egolf of Harbeson.
The winning entries and honorable mentions will be displayed in the lobby of the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
The DRBA, a bistate governmental agency created by compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, the Three Forts Ferry Crossing and the Salem Business Centre in Carney’s Point Twp., N.J. For more information, go to www.drba.net.
