By Linda Kelsey-Jones
Special to the Record
San Marcos —
A celebration of the natural beauty and talent of place — our place — the annual Naturescapes Photography Contest and Exhibition has become one of the favorite Walkers' Gallery shows of the year.
Sponsored by the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance and the Hill Country Photography Club, the unique beauty of the natural areas within San Marcos inspired the contest.
Now in its sixth year ,the contest includes photographs taken in greenspaces throughout Hays County, with a special award for the best photograph taken in San Marcos parks and other natural areas within five miles of San Marcos city limits.
Goals of the contest include increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting our natural world and giving photographers at all levels of experience a chance to capture, share and receive recognition for beautiful and inspiring images.
Juror for this year's contest is area freelance photographer Adolfo Isassi. When he is not traveling around the world collecting images, Isassi concentrates on documenting the local arts scene and the Hill Country precious natural environs. Some of his images can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/people/adolfo_isassi/
The public is invited to the opening reception and awards celebration, Saturday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center. The Lochman brothers band, the Crystal Creek Boys, will add rhythm to the show with their own Hill Country-inspired music and a silent auction of items will benefit the on-going work of the Greenbelt Alliance. Complementing the Naturescape contest photographs, this year's juried Hill Country Photography members exhibit within the exhibit is themed "Storytellers" and features 30 images by14 photographers.
The "stories" evoked are sometimes funny, sometimes mysterious, sometimes simply sweet, but always very beautiful. Founded in 2003 by Jane Moss and Roger Palmer, the Hill Country Photography Club is an informal group of photographers of all ages and experience who are interested in exploring photography as an art medium.
Exhibits at the Walkers' Gallery are sponsored by the San Marcos Area Arts Council and the city of San Marcos, with support from the San Marcos Arts Commission.
