FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2015 

WINNERS OF GREENBELT’S 10^th ANNIVERSARY PHOTO CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Over 800 Submissions Received, 20 Winning Photos to be Showcased at McMichael Gallery

Today, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, the Professional Photographers of Canada – Ontario (PPOC-ON), and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection announced the 20 winners of the photo contest celebrating 10 years of Ontario’s nearly 2 million acres of permanently protected Greenbelt.

Judged by a jury of professional photographers and creative employees from the three organizations, the winning photographs will be showcased at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg starting Sunday, November 15 until spring 2016. Two people’s choice winners were also chosen based on an online vote. The categories and winning photographers are:

• Overall Winner and Best Wildlife: Mark Williams (Hamilton)
• People’s Choice, Agriculture and Landscape: Warren Martil (Newmarket)
• People’s Choice, Water and Wildlife: Jack Starret (Collingwood)
• Best Agriculture: Vartkes Peltekoglu (Vineland)
• Best People in Nature: Kevin Walsh (Orangeville)
• Best Water: Michael Manett (Thornhill)

• Other Winners, No Specific Category: Tanya Biglieri (Cambridge), Lou Cabiago (Milton), Maria Drazilov (Toronto), George Gardiner (Toronto), Kate Goodale (King City), Alexander Harras (Richmond Hill), Christine Hogenkamp (Richmond Hill), Michael Manett (Thornhill), Jason Milligan (two submissions 1 and 2, Toronto), Jamie Reaume (Milton), Jeremy Slaven (Aurora), Dianne Soehner (Brooklin), and Lorne Stobbs (St. Catharines)

"PPOC-ON is honoured to have been asked to lend their expertise in judging the Greenbelt’s 10^th Anniversary Photo Contest,” said Jean Chartrand, MPA, Chair, PPOC-ON. "Choosing just 20 images to represent the Greenbelt from over 800 unique submissions was no easy task.  The submissions reveal great diversity in both the landscape and artistic expression from the participants. As Canada’s leader in developing and maintaining the highest level of photographic excellence, the PPOC-ON encourages the continuing growth of photographers at all levels.  We look forward to seeing more great work from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation in the future and encourage them to pursue their passion for photography, agriculture, and the natural landscape."

The McMichael is so pleased to bring the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation’s photo exhibition to the gallery," said Anna Stanisz, Associate Director, Creative Learning and Programs, McMichael Canadian Art Collection. "These photographs provide us with a great opportunity to engage visitors, particularly students, while supporting an organization working to help strengthen local economies, and protect and grow the natural features of Ontario’s Greenbelt."

"This contest focused on the endless possibilities and magnificence of the world’s largest Greenbelt," said Burkhard Mausburg, CEO, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. "We want to thank all of those that participated and congratulate the winners for their stunning and creative submissions."