AMPC opening reception March 1

Picture this.

The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC) opening reception will take place Friday, March, 1 at 7 p.m. in the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University.

The opening will feature images from the 10th annual competition’s 46 finalists, as well as a chance for visitors to cast their votes for the coveted AMPC People’s Choice Award.

People’s Choice voting officially starts March 1, and a kiosk will be available at the opening for attendees to cast their votes. In addition, voting will be available online at http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org until 5 p.m. on May 17.

The finalists’ images will be on display at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts from March 1 through Aug. 16.

A panel of jurors selected the finalists’ photos from more than 800 submissions. 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.

According to contest organizers, the AMPC has grown into one the region’s most prestigious photography competitions, with 2012’s images having been viewed by more than 10,000 people at the Turchin Center.

A partnership between Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs, the Turchin Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, “AMPC celebrates the unique people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians and attracts entries from across the United States,” a competition spokesperson said.

Outdoor Programs promoted the first AMPC in 2004.

“Our mission is to promote discovery through human-powered adventure, and photography is an active process of discovery,” said Rich Campbell, associate director of Outdoor Programs. “By promoting photography, we are encouraging people to go out and engage with the world around them.”

Proceeds from the annual competition are used to support students who wish to experience Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE) at Appalachian State University.

SOLE trips are 10- to 55-day active educational adventures of discovery, where students spend extended time exploring rugged and remote wilderness and become immersed in new and exciting cultures – domestically and internationally – while gaining academic credit.

To learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, visit the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts or http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org.