Annual Gordon Parks photo competition accepting entries

Fort Scott Community College officials have announced a call for entries in the 19th annual Gordon Parks International Photo Competition, which will be part of the fourth annual Gordon Parks Celebration of Culture and Diversity in October at FSCC.

The photo contest was conceived nearly 20 years ago by retired FSCC instructor John Bennett, and it has since been incorporated into the annual four-day Gordon Parks celebration, which features lectures, seminars, workshops, panel discussions and other performances, Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity Executive Director Jill Warford said.

"It's always been a positive part of honoring Gordon Parks," she said.

In the competition, photographers of all types may submit photographs that reflect the important culture and diversity themes that are found in the life and works of Parks, the late Fort Scott native who is also considered to be one of the world's most famous photographers.

A total of $1,750 in prize money will be awarded to the top three photographs chosen at the conclusion of the Gordon Parks Celebration, which is scheduled for Oct. 3-6. Each photographer may submit up to four photographs, which must have been taken within the last five years.

The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, and organizers are encouraging local residents who are interested to enter and show off their skills, Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity Executive Director Jill Warford said.

"They have as much chance as anyone else," Warford said. "We want them to enter."

Warford said contestants should submit original works that are not copies of any work done by Parks. Submitted photographs should instead capture the essence and style of his work, but remain original to the photographer, Warford said.

"Most of them (received photos) are culturally significant, or they reflect some sort of social situation," she said.

Some of the photos received last year involved recent catastrophic events or disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and a particular photo that captured people suffering from malaria, a fever caused when a parasite invades the red blood cells. Other photos are more light-hearted, such as children flying a kite. All of the photos typically vary in quality and theme, but most follow themes that Parks emphasized in his work, Warford said.

Organizers of the event received more than 200 entries during the 2005 competition, and more than 130 entries last year, Warford said.

The first place entrant will receive $1,000; second place will be awarded $500; and the third place entrant will receive $250. All winners and honorable mentions will be announced at the conclusion of the celebration in October, an FSCC statement said. The 2007 finalists photo exhibit will be displayed at FSCC in September and October, and may also be displayed elsewhere during the year.

The last day that photographs and entry fees -- prices range from $15 for one photo, to $60 for four photos -- is June 29. For more information on how to enter, or for detailed contest rules, contact Warford at (620) 223-2700, extension 515, or toll-free at (800) 874-3722. e-mail inquiries may be sent to photo contest@fortscott.edu.