Exhibition Run: April 16 – June 9, 2025
Opening Reception: April 16, 5 to 7 PM
This juried show is an exhibition of photographs that were received as part of a community-wide competition. The pieces, selected by a jury of photographs, curators, and environmentalists, share an overwhelmingly optimistic view with images that focus on resilience, endurance, and harmony.
“Peace by the Lava’s Edge” submitted by UIUC freshman Laura Zhang was selected as the winning entry in the Student Category. Describing her photo, Zhang stated “This photograph was taken by the shore on the Big Island of Hawaii, where I captured a peace sign carved into the hardened lava by the crashing waves. I think this serves as a powerful reminder that amidst chaos and destruction, there’s always space for harmony, even in the most unexpected places.”
“Regrowth After Fire” was the winner in the Nonstudent Amateur Category. Submitted by Mahomet resident Jenni Crum, this image was taken in 2021 at Yellowstone National Park and depicts the resilience of nature as life slowly returns to a hill after a fire. Jury member Asa Featherstone noted that he particularly liked the scale and vastness of this image, and it effectively makes you think about the impact of climate change.
The jury awarded “Rooted Against the Odds” with an Honorable Mention. According to Scott, “This photo depicts a solitary, leafless tree standing resilient in a barren field [and} evokes themes of perseverance and the enduring bond between life and nature.”
Viewers are invited to select a People’s Choice Award from all entries. The winner of this award will receive a $250 cash prize. Voting will take place during the exhibit opening reception on April 16 where the winner will be announced.
Participating Artists
- Martin Bargon
- Jenni Crum
- Paula Hancock
- Maya Mishra
- Tricia Scott
- Ian Wang
- Laura Zhang
Jurors
- Asa Featherstone, IV, Photo-based Artist and Founder of MIDTONES Photo Magazine
- Nathan Holder, Photography Registration Assistant, Spurlock Museum of World Cultures
- Peggy Shaw, Associate Professor, Fine & Applied Arts, Parkland College
- Rev. Cindy Shepherd, Green Team Director, Faith in Place
- Sam Smith, Community Engagement, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
- Mary Statzer, PhD, Curator of Prints & Photographs, University of New Mexico Art Museum
This exhibition is co-sponsored by the McKinley Green Team. Artists’ Alley, located in the McKinley Foundation, is open daily, 9 AM to 8 PM.