Bickelhaupt Arboretum Photo Contest Contact: Francie Hill, 242-4771 The Arboretum announces its first photo contest for amateur photographers. The contest encourages exploration of the Arboretum and a place for amateurs to showcase their best work. Photos acceptable to The Bickelhaupt Arboretum Photo Contest (BAPC) must be taken at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum, 340 South 14th. Street, Clinton, Iowa. This Spring contest begins April 1, 2007 through May 12, 2007. Nature & Landscapes - These photos include landscapes, outdoor scenes, nature images, and sunsets at the Arboretum. These images should showcase outdoor beauty. Note: If you enter a photo into this category, please include a description of your photo. (Ex. Arboretum's Pinetum at Sunset) Animals/Wildlife - These photos include any of the abundant wildlife at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Note: If you enter a photo in this category, please note the approximate location in the arboretum the photo was taken. People - These are photos of people at the Arboretum. Posed portraits are not recommended. Note: Please include the approximate location in the arboretum the photo was taken. Also please be certain you have permission of the person(s) in the photo as the photo may be displayed publicly on the web site. As long as the photo shows technical excellence, originality and artistic creativity in the arboretum setting, it may be selected as a winner. Winning photos will be posted on the web site shortly after the end of the contest. Winning photos may also be displayed at the Arboretum and Clinton businesses, as well as local news publications. First, second, and third place photos will be identified in each category. Runners up may be recognized. The first place photographer of each category will choose one plant from the available Fairy Tale Lilacs, Tigers-eyes Sumac (golden in color) or ornamental Willow. Of the three first place photos, one will be designated "Best of Contest." The Best of Contest photographer will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Porter's Camera Store. Bill Cornelius, Arboretum Webmaster, who developed the BAPC guidelines said: "I'm very excited to see the many hours of work organizing a photo contest pay off. This is a wonderful opportunity for amateur camera bugs to visit and enjoy the arboretum in search of that 'perfect picture.'" Judging will be by Carolyn Philips, a painter and educator originally from the southeast. She received her BFA in painting from East Carolina University, her MFA in painting from Indiana State University, and teaches in higher education. Most of Philips' works are in oil, but she also works with egg tempera and collage. She exhibits artworks both regionally and in national juried art exhibitions throughout the U.S. Further information on "Read Contest Rules", "Tips For a Successful Contest Entry," "Tips On Resizing Photos" and "Rule of Thirds" can be found at the arboretum web site www.bickarb.org or by calling 242-4771. The Bickelhaupt is open daily, free of charge, dawn to dusk and is located at 340 S. 14th Street, Clinton. This article posted March 26, 2006