The Paris-Henry County Arts Council has announced the winners of the 33rd Annual Dr. Danny & Martha Jo Kimberlin Photography Showcase. This year’s Best In Show is Great American Egret by Dave Frymire. The Showcase is on display at the W.G. Rhea Library in Paris until May 20.
This year’s exhibit featured more than 100 compelling entries from over 50 photographers, each capturing their unique view of the world through powerful, personal, and inspiring images. The artwork was on display at the W.G. Rhea Public Library from May 4–20, offering the public a chance to experience an incredible range of talent—from dynamic action shots to quiet natural scenes.
At our public reception and awards ceremony on May 4th, we welcomed friends, families, and fellow creatives to celebrate the accomplishments of these dedicated photographers.
We’re delighted to announce this year’s winners across each category:
Action
🥇 Off to the Races – Emille Sheppard Roussin
Altered Images
🥇 Standing Rock Creek – Laura Sherrod
🥈 M&M Mayhem – Julie Bisgaard
🥉 Kachina Sunrise – MaryAnn Claxton
Architectural
🥇 The Gates of Fremantle Prison – Karen Geary
🥈 Bridge Over Untroubled Water – Judith Putnam
🥉 Sunset on Customs House – Carolanne Nadeau
Black & White
🥇 On the Right Track – Debbie McDorman
🥈 Totality – Brent Norsworthy
🥉 Veiled Reflections – MaryAnn Claxton
Mobile
🥇 Good Morning Sun – Julie Bisgaard
🥈 Lovely Kentucky Lake – Collette Wilde
🥉 Night Time Sentinel – Leslie Sensing
Natural World
🥇 Bridge Over the Mirror Wide – MaryAnn Claxton
🥈 The Sky’s Awake – Lilly Ann Baggett
🥉 Love Me, Love Me Not? – Jean Owens
People
🥇 Joey & Judy – Victoria Keith
🥈 Glee and Innocence – Nicole Blackburn
🥉 He’s My Brother – Christy Casey
Travel
🥇 Mt. Fuji – Judith Putnam
🥈 Take A Dip – Beth Mathis
Wildlife
🥇 Great American Egret – Dave Frymire
🥈 Wild Soul – Emille Sheppard Roussin
🥉 Breathtaking – Emille Sheppard Roussin
Youth Division
🥇 King Thabo – Scarlett Sheppard
🥈 Rainbow Falls – Scarlett Sheppard
🥉 The Peace Below – Savannah Staggs
🏆 Best in Show: Great American Egret by Dave Frymire
We extend our sincere congratulations to all participants and award winners, and a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Danny and Mrs. Martha Jo Kimberlin for their continued sponsorship. Their legacy, having documented over 100 countries through photography, continues to inspire and shape this meaningful event.
This year’s judge, Jeff Roush, shared a few words of encouragement:
“While judging this year’s Photo Showcase I couldn’t help but witness many great images. I’ve judged this contest a number of times, and each year it seems to get better. If you won, congratulations—but if you didn’t, be proud to be part of such an amazing pool of talent. Judges look for elements like composition, lighting, storytelling, and emotional connection. Subject matter alone rarely wins; it’s the feeling an image creates that truly stands out. Keep shooting, keep learning, and keep creating. I’m honored to be part of this event.”
Jeff Roush is a 45-year veteran of the professional photography industry with a background in advertising, commercial, and portrait photography. He has traveled the world photographing for Fortune 500 companies and now dedicates his time to teaching and mentoring aspiring photographers through online courses and workshops.
We invite everyone to visit the W.G. Rhea Public Library, where the winning photos will be on display from today until May 20th, 2025. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistry of our local photographers!
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended the Award Ceremony, and supported the Paris-Henry County Arts Council. Your dedication and enthusiasm are what make events like these truly special. Let’s continue to celebrate the arts and nurture creativity within our community!
***Photos taken by Sarah Sargent of Lele & Beane Photography.