Through The Lens closed for entries on August 1, and jurying of the 111 photos took place on August 10. Seventy-six images were juried into the show, representing 27 photographers. Our Juror, Michael Schwarz, did an excellent job, and I believe we have the strongest set of images ever in Through The Lens - 2012. Results of the jurying have been emailed to all who entered.

We are very excited about this year's reception. Terry Henner of Cool Bees Artwork and Gifts has agreed to sponsor and judge the $200 Cool Bees award. This is a new award we have not had in the past. In all, we are offering $1700 in cash awards! Check out the awards here.

Once again, please review the framing requirments. We are looking for a uniform, professional-looking show. If you have any questions about your framing, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Through The Lens, sponsored by the Sawnee Artists Association, is Forsyth County's (GA) first and only annual all fine art photography exhibit and sale. Open to all photographers, Through The Lens features images that depict some aspect of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

We invite you to enter Through The Lens 2012!

This year's event will be the Sawnee Artists Association's third annual Through The Lens, Forsyth County's first and only ongoing fine art photographic exhibit and sale. The best news this year is the exhibit will extend over two weekends in a great new venue, so please read on!

Through The Lens 2012 is open to all photographers, professional, amateur, or beginner. While we encourage young people to participate, the show is more appropriate for middle and high school age young people.

Click here to down load PDF entry form and guidelines.

Important Dates

• Friday, July 1 - Begin accepting images
• Wednesday, August 1 - Entry submission deadline
• Week of August 10 - Notification of accepted images
• Friday, September 7, 12PM - 6PM - Deliver accepted, framed images
• Saturday September 8, Show Opens

Show Schedule

• Saturday, September 8, 10AM - 6PM - Show Opens
• Saturday September 8, 7PM - 9PM - Artists Reception
• Sunday, September 9, Open Noon - 5PM
• Monday - Friday, September 10 - 14 Open 10AM - 5PM
• Saturday, September 15, 10AM - 6PM
• Sunday, September 16, Noon - 5PM
• Sunday, September 16, 5PM - 7PM - Photograph pick up

New Venue

This year, the Sawnee Artists Association has partnered with the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center (SHEC) in south Forsyth County to host this year's Through The Lens. The SHEC is one of three Forsyth County Senior Services locations that offers a wide range of activities and events for those fifty and up, including exercise, art and other special programs. Sexton Hall Enrichment Center is located at 2115 Chloe Road, just off of Sharon Road between Peachtree Parkway and Old Atlanta Road (formerly the location of Lakeland Community Church). From Peachtree Parkway, turn onto Sharon Road. The SHEC is just past Sharon Springs Park on the right. See map at bottom of page.

Juror and Judge

We are extremely proud to announce our juror and judge for Through The Lens 2012. Michael Schwarz is an independent editorial and corporate photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Over a 30-year career, Michael has completed more than 6,000 assignments for many prestigious publications. Michael is a 3-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, has received numerous awards from the Pictures of the Year competition and was a winner of the Dag Hammarskjöld Award for Human Rights Advocacy Journalism. LIFE Magazine chose Michael as one of the ten best young photographers in the U.S. Read more about Michael at www.michaelschwarz.com.

The Theme for 2012

"Life in The Southern Appalachians"

This year we are challenging you to create images that tell a story of life in the Southern Appalachians*. Images may be contemporary or of times gone by. Some ideas that would qualify are - but are not limited to - people, animals, musical events, church events or traditions, scenes portraying rural or town life, holiday celebrations, or other events that would be unique to the Southern Appalachians. Inanimate objects and scenes that tell a story of Southern Appalachian life may be submitted as well. Use your imagination to tell the story!

* “Southern Appalachians,” for our purposes, consists of the mountainous areas of north Georgia, including Forsyth County, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia.

Awards and Prizes

Update! We have received news that our funding this year will allow us to offer the highest prize total we have every offered!

This year, we will give cash awards and ribbons for Best of Show, first through third places, People's Choice, A special award from Cool Bees, four Honorable Mentions, and the best image from a middle or high school student.

• Best of show - $500 Sponsored by Up In Cumming Magazine
• First Place - $350 Sponsored by Tyson Foods
• Second Place - $200
• Third Place - $100 Sponsored by Sawnee Artists Association
• Cool Bees Award $200 - Sponsored and presented by Terry Henner of Cool Bees Artwork & Gifts
• Peoples' Choice - $100
• Four Honorable Mentions - $50 each - Sponsored by City Bistro, BJ's and United Community Bank
• Best Young Photographer - $50 - 18 and younger

Entry Submission

You may submit up to four images to be considered by our juror. These prints must be printed on 8.5 x 11 or 8 x 10 photo paper (no 5x7s or 4x6s). Along with your prints, send the completed and signed entry form (to be available shortly) along with your payment to Through The Lens 2012, C/O Phil Winter, 5850 Wills Lake Rd, Cumming, Ga, 30040. The entry fee is $25 for SAA members, $35 for non-members. (Note: this is NOT per print, but the total entry fee for up to four entries.) Photos must be appropriate for a family audience. As Through The Lens 2012 is a juried show, it is possible that the juror may not select any of your images. Photographs juried into previous Through The Lens exhibits are not eligible.

Framing Considerations

Framing requirements are the same as in previous years. Framed prints must be in a black frame with a white mat. Frame size is limited to two feet wide because of our hanging system. The frame may be any reasonable height. The frames must be professional in appearance and have hanging wire attached. Unfortunately, frames not meeting these requirements cannot be accepted.

Click here to down load PDF entry form and guidelines.

Last Year's Show

Click here to see a slide show of Through The Lens 2011.

Map of Sexton Hall Enrichment Center

DIRECTIONS - From GA 400, exit onto Peachtree Parkway at exit 13 going south (toward Norcross). Turn left at Sharon Road where there is a traffic light and left turn lane. Continue on Sharon Road and look for the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center on the right just past Sharon Springs Park.

For more information:
Call 770-664-5850
Email: philwinter@mindspring.com