46th Annual Cerro Gordo Photo Show now open at MacNider Art Museum

MASON CITY — The hallways of the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum have once again become a window into the creativity of North Iowa with the opening of the 46th Annual Cerro Gordo Photo Show. Now on display in the museum’s Center Space Gallery, this year’s competitive exhibition continues its long-standing tradition of showcasing the region’s most compelling photography. Sponsored by the Safford and Lena Lock Photo Endowment Fund, the show serves as a vital platform for local residents and students to share their artistic vision with the public.

The selection process for this year’s installment was highly competitive, with a panel of judges narrowing down sixty-two entries to just thirty-six featured works. The final exhibition represents the work of twenty individual artists who either reside in Cerro Gordo County or are currently attending spring or summer semesters at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). Each chosen photograph underwent a rigorous jurying process to ensure the gallery reflects a high standard of quality and creativity.

The artists featured in this year’s show represent a diverse cross-section of the North Iowa community. Clear Lake residents Alec Heggen, Brad Janson, Wendy Janson, Dennis Nettifee, Margo Underwood, and Lisa Wolf all have work on display. Mason City is well-represented by artists Tyler Bartholomew, Emily Belt, Haylie Cox Estep, David Crippin, Mila W. Fullerton, James Fullerton, Lisa Grouette, Kyle W. Lucas, Jim Rose, Kathryn D. Skellenger, Melissa M. Summerfield, Helena Torres, and Abraham Wolf. Additionally, Alanna Davison of Plymouth had work selected for this year’s exhibition.

The public is invited to celebrate these artists during an opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, May 7, beginning at 6 p.m.. The atmosphere will likely be electric as the cash award winners are announced at 6:30 p.m., with $125 going to the Best in Show, followed by prizes of $75 and $50 for second and third place, respectively. This year’s competition also highlights newcomers through the “First Time Entrant” category, where those entering the show for the first time have the chance to win a specific $50 prize.

The 46th Annual Cerro Gordo Photo Show is free to the public and will remain on display through Saturday, July 11, during regular museum hours. For those looking to see the world through the eyes of their neighbors, admission to the MacNider Art Museum remains free of charge. Most-up-to-date visitor information can be found on the museum’s website at http://www.macniderart.org or by calling 641-421-3666.

(Image: Abraham Wolf of Mason City, IA, Three’s Company, Photograph)