Guests celebrated the work of talented local photographers at the grand opening of the 2014 Heritage Photo Exhibition this past Saturday.
The Exhibition showcased photography exploring different dimensions of heritage from the 2014 Heritage Photo Contest, which was created by Les Fruits de Mer as a way to spotlight local heritage and photographers, and also to inspire public conversation around the island’s unique heritage.
Lagoonies Bistro & Bar was transformed into a temporary exhibition space, with custom-built hanging panels that displayed an array of breathtaking imagery and thought-provoking artists’ statements about heritage. Attendees admired the work, enjoyed sharing memories inspired by the exhibits, and voted for the Erika Cannegieter-Smith People’s Choice Award, a $100 prize which honors the founder of Be the Change SXM. Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes says, “This contest and exhibition was developed as a partnership between Les Fruits de Mer and Be the Change SXM. We wanted this award to be a way to salute Erika’s amazing legacy to the island and its people.”
In a close competition with over 80 votes cast at the Exhibition, this year’s Erika Cannegieter-Smith People’s Choice Award was won by Nathalie Beaurain, with a pair of photos featuring flamboyant flowers (her entry can be seen at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/nathalie-beaurain/).
The honor was announced at the Exhibition’s award ceremony, where prizes were awarded to the winners of the overall and youth categories, Alexandre Guerre and Luna Valenti.
Selections from the Exhibition will remain on display this week at Lagoonies. Any schools or other organizations interested in displaying panels from the Exhibition can contact Les Fruits de Mer at info@lesfruitsdemer.org. The all of the entries are featured online at: http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/vibrant-and-vulnerable/.
About Les Fruits de Mer
Les Fruits de Mer is a non-profit association based in St. Martin whose core mission is to raise awareness about nature, culture, and sport. The organization carries out this mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire, and inform. The Association is currently accepting new member applications on its website, http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com.
About Be the Change SXM
Be The Change Foundation, registered in May 2012, is a charity fundraising group that assists St. Maarten non-profit organizations with raising the monies needed for a particular cause while also promoting the mission and objectives of that NGO (non-governmental organization) to encourage volunteerism.