If a photo is worth 1,000 words, these storytellers get 1,006 words to tell theirs.
The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA) is once again presenting The Story Continues photo contest.
This is the third-annual contest, but it developed from the 23-year-long juried photo contest held in the past. Photographers are encouraged to submit a photo online with a title that is six words or fewer and both the title and the photo together must tell a story.
The concept of a six-word story comes from a tale often told about Earnest Hemmingway. He was challenged to write a story in six words. He wrote, “Baby shoes for sale. Never worn.” and he won his bet.
The photographers submitting entries into this year’s juried show are allowed up to six words for a title, and the title is worth 25 per cent of the grade.
“The entrants have to tell a story between the two of them,” said Judy Morrison, chair of the photo contest and a volunteer on the Storytelling Festival board of directors. “It’s a very high-calibre of photography. We’ve had some really amazing photos submitted over the years.”
Submissions for the photo contest are accepted online only and the deadline for entries is August 6. Judging will take place by two accomplished photographers, Tannis Toohey and Peter Stranks, on Aug. 19 and 20. The finalists will be selected for a photo exhibition at the BMFA new location in the Simcoe Street building (65 Simcoe Street) from Sept. 26 to Nov. 4. There will also be an awards reception on Sept. 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. at 65 Simcoe St. There are cash prizes for the winners in each category.
For the contest rules and regulations, click here.
The Storytelling Festival takes place for the month of October. Other events include Reel History on Sept. 28 at the Simcoe Street Theatre. This screening will feature three films by Mountain Goat Films on local apple growing, skiing and the Indigenous people of the area.
On Oct. 13, Dave Conning and his daughter Laura will be at the Simcoe Street Theatre presenting 25 Years - A Young Life in Poetry and Music.
On Oct. 14, Darci-Que and Emile will present a children’s workshop with a Halloween theme at the Collingwood Public Library.
On Oct. 19, cartoonist Lynn Johnston, creator of the For Better or For Worse comic strip will be giving a talk at the Simcoe Street Theatre.
Tickets for these events will be available by the end of August on the BMFA website.
