People's Choice Voting Opens for 9th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition

The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Opening Reception takes place this Friday, February 3rd, along with the start of voting for the AMPC People's Choice Award. 49 finalist images will be on display from February 3 through June 2 at the Turchin Center for the Visual arts on the Campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

A panel of jurors selected the images for exhibition from 1,156 images – the largest number of submissions ever received. The jurors will soon return for the final round of judging to select category winners, award special mention honors, and select one image as Best In Show.

You can cast your vote for the coveted People's Choice Award via a kiosk at the exhibition or online. Voting officially begins with the public reception opening at 7:00 pm, Friday, February 3 and voting will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012. The winner of the People's Choice award receives a $350 cash award furnished by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitter in Boone and Blowing Rock.

The 9th Annual AMPC is sponsored by VirtualBlueRidge.com, the premier Blue Ridge Parkway online resource, who provided the entire online presence for the competition; and The Mast General Store, who is providing prize packages in 5 different categories. The AMPC is supported by Peabody's Beer and Wine Merchants; Bistro Roca Casual Fine Dining; Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters; Appalachian Voices; and Stick Boy Bread Company.

Proceeds from the Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition are used to support students who wish to experience Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE) at Appalachian State University. SOLE trips are 21-55 day active educational adventures of discovery.

Students spend extended time exploring rugged and remote wilderness and become immersed in new and exciting cultures all while gaining academic credit. To learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, its organizers and sponsors visit the Turchin Center or go online at www.appmtnphotocomp.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com