Each year, the opening reception of the Maine Photography Show draws a standing-room-only crowd. This year was no exception. Amid the violin playing, the wafting aroma of the finger foods, and the two gallery floors of their photography, most of the exhibitors and their families were there primarily to see who the award winners were, and, if they were one of them.

After opening remarks from the Boothbay Region Art Foundation president, Jim Taliana; the show chairman, Bruce Burnham; and the show Judge, Elizabeth Greenberg-- the awards were announced and presented by the award's sponsor. There are three awards in each of four categories: Color, Black &White, Computer Composed, and Student (18/under). Then there is the Best of Show Award.

This year, the award winners are:

Color category:

• 1st Place-- James Nickelson of Camden, ME, for " Moonrise, Penobscot Bay"
• 2nd Place-- Jane Spencer of Boston, (raised in Topsham, ME) for "Lilypad #2"
• 3rd Place-- George Paton of Bowdoinham, ME, for "Mum"

Black & White:

• 1st Place-- Chris Bennett of Vassalboro, ME, for "Self Portrait"
• 2nd Place-- Elliot Teel of Portland, ME, for "Narraguagus Light"
• 3rd Place-- Darren Stotz-McFarland of Harpswell, ME, for "Metaphysical"

Computer Composed:

• 1st Place-- Amy Campbell of Rockport, ME, for "Dogwood Echo"
• 2nd Place-- Rebecca (Becky) Kitchen of Durham, ME, for "Bell and Bricks"
• 3rd Place-- Tony Marple of Whitefield, ME, for "Bridgeport Railway Station"

Student:

• 1st Place-- Samuel A. Cohen of Farmington, ME, for "Coins"
• 2nd Place-- Haley Carter of Saco, ME, for "Saco Heath"
• 3rd Place-- Hailey Greenleaf, an eight year old from Boothbay, ME, for "Icicle Needles"

The winner of the FIRST Bank Award for Best of Show went to James Nickelson of Camden, (the 1st in Color) for "Moonrise, Penobscot Bay"

This Year the show includes 115 juried works plus photography representing the judge: Elizabeth Greenberg, Photographer / Artist, Educator and Director of Education at the Maine Media College and Workshops in Rockland, ME, and the MPS Committee.

The Maine Photography Show is a state-wide, juried, annual exhibition, and is open to the public April 18 through May 3, Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm, with free admission. The Boothbay Region Art Foundation Gallery is in the heart of Boothbay Harbor, ME, at 1 Townsend Avenue. For more information go to: <mainephotographyshow.com> (Coinciding with the MPS is the annual Boothbay Harbor Fisherman's Festival on April 25 - 26, an opportunity to take in both events.)

Moonrise, Penobscot Bay, by James Nickelson of Camden, Maine.

Self Portrait, by Chris Bennett of Vassalboro, Maine.

Dogwood Echo, by Amy Campbell of Rockport, Maine.

Coins, by Samuel A. Cohen of Farmington, Maine.