Winners picked in Academy photo shows

From staff reports
Published: September 11, 2008

The photographers came from as far away as California for the Academy of Fine Arts National Juried Photography Exhibition. It is on display for the first time with the Academy’s other annual juried photography exhibition, which is regional.

The Academy has announced the winners in each of the exhibitions, which will be on display through Sept. 26.

Andrea Land of San Francisco won best in show for the national exhibition. Hers, “Sophie,” was one of 40 images chosen for the show by juror Christa Kreeger Bowden, assistant professor of art at Washington & Lee University, from a total of 254.

The best in show award for the regional exhibition went to Alexander Grabiec of Farmville. His photo, “Kitchen,” was one of 18 chosen to exhibit from a total of 101 images.

Local businesses sponsor cash awards for both exhibitions. A slide show of both exhibitions winners may be viewed at http://www.academyfinearts.com. 

national winners
—The News & Advance Best in Show Award: Andrea Land (San Francisco, Calif.) for her photograph titled “Sophie”
—Juror’s Choice Award sponsored by the Academy of Fine Arts: Anca Dobrian (Norfolk) for photograph titled “Water Patterns”
—The Janet Shaffer Creativity Award: James Crable (Harrisonburg) for his photograph titled “Rubio’s Discount”
—Juror’s Choice Award sponsored by the Design Group: Monika Merva (Brooklyn, N.Y.) for her photograph titled “Norbi’s Girlfriend”
—Juror’s Choice Award sponsored by the Academy of Fine Arts:  Andrew Hersey (Charlottesville) for his photograph titled “Just”

regional winners
—Best in Show Award sponsored by David & Mary Bice: Alexander Grabiec (Farmville) for his photograph titled “Kitchen”
—The Mike Winfree Memorial Award: Lisa Pitcher (Forest) for her photograph titled “Treasure”
—The Blue Ridge Photographic Arts Society Award: John Shuptrine (Lynchburg) for his photograph titled “Pond Leaf”
—Juror’s Choice Award sponsored by Lynn Shapiro, Realtor, JSW Inc.: Kathy Cudlin for her photograph titled “Paris Cafe”
—Juror’s Choice Award sponsored by Lynchburg Camera Shop: Laurent Legrandjacques for his photograph titled “Cherished Land”