Wednesday, May 04, 2022

Hands clasped together, each bearing a tiny cross, moved judges to select it as Best in Show for the eighth-annual Teen Photo Contest at the Fond du Lac Public Library. This striking black-and-white image was taken by Ava Vermillion, who earned a $250 gift card for taking the top spot. She is a sophomore at Fond du Lac High School.

Her entry was one of about 80 from teens across Fond du Lac County that were sent to the Fond du Lac Public Library over the winter. Teens could enter in one of three categories: Tell Me a Story, Unexpected Fondy and Anything Goes. Earning Honorable Mention awards in those categories were:

  • Tell Me a Story: Diora Vang, Theisen Middle School
  • Unexpected Fondy: Ally Vercauteren, Shepherd of the Hills
  • Anything goes: Jessica Laridaen, Winnebago Lutheran Academy

All four winners will receive their photographs professionally framed, courtesy Gallery & Frame Shop. All entries also will be displayed in the Langdon Divers Community Gallery through at least the end of May.

A public reception will be held Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; the reception will be paused at 6 pm to recognize the winners of the contest. Refreshments will be available.

Contest judges were professional photographer Fiebig, Julie Balson of Gallery Frame Shop in downtown Fond du Lac, and Amber Kilawee of the Fond du Lac United Way.

The Langdon Divers Community Gallery is open seven days a week, whenever the Fond du Lac Public Library is open at 32 Sheboygan St. The gallery may be found off the atrium at the south entrance to the Main Library. 

For updates on Langdon Divers Community Gallery, follow the gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/langdondivers. Kolstad may be contacted at mel@kolstad.net.