Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts are excited to announce their biannual photo contest (also held in August). Submissions will be accepted at Gallery 'N' Gifts between Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 with a First Friday Awards reception to be held on Feb. 2 from 5-8 p.m.

Nick Smirnoff (NPPA)

"Winter Robin" photographed by Jessica Martin, was First Place winner in the Animal category. "My family and I were outside playing in the snow and this Robin kept landing on the tree, he would move his head as if posing, I had my Canon Rebel camera nearby and was able to capture 8-10 images of him".

When asked why this event is such a favorite TVAA President Gale Caldwell responded, "The contest grows every year and the photos keep getting better and better. We have some photographers who have been in the contest every year. It's fun to see not only their technical growth, but the creative ingenuity in choosing their subject matter and inventive composition of their images. On the flip side of that are the brand new photographers who never fail to wow us with their fresh style and imagination. Every image entered tells an interesting story, and I love stories!"

This year's 7 categories include Landscape/Nature, Travel/Architecture, Animals, Black & White/Sepia, Details & Macros, People and of course our separate category for Youth Photographers. Please see their website for full rules and information at http://www.galleryngifts.com/upcoming-events and click on "Photo Contests."

For more information call (661) 822-6062.

Read about other Feb. 2 First Friday events here:

http://www.theloopnewspaper.com/story/2018/01/20/happenings/treasure-trove-featuring-love-is-going-to-the-dogs/4136.html

and here:

http://www.theloopnewspaper.com/story/2018/01/20/happenings/the-romance-of-lace-a-valentines-exhibit-at-the-tehachapi-museum/4137.html