Grand prizewinners in two categories will be announced at Pray for Snow on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Skye Center.
(Photo above from finalist Kristin Filomena)
Lee Canyon announces finalists in the inaugural play Forever Photography Contest that celebrates the Spring Mountains. The contest’s jury selected four images in two categories, community, and environment, which are the pillars of Lee Canyon’s sustainability program Play Forever. Winners will take home $500 in cash, and their images will be displayed inside Lee Canyon’s Hillside Lodge. Other finalists will receive prizes. The finalists by category are below; their images can be found HERE.
Grand prizewinners in each category will be announced at Lee Canyon’s annual Pray for Snow Party, Saturday, Nov. 20, at Skye Center (10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Drive). The event runs from 2 to 6 p.m.; winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. The event includes the Play Forever Photography Showcase where finalists’ pieces will be auctioned off; all proceeds will benefit the Play Forever Fund supporting Nevada Community Foundation.
COMMUNITY
Kristen Filomena, 36, Las Vegas
Andy Maguinness, 42, Las Vegas
Angela Pleskaczynski, 17, Las Vegas
Maria Sarmnieto Salazar, 39, Las Vegas
ENVIRONMENT
Sandra Bradbury, 34, Las Vegas
Tomek Pleskaczynski, 46, Las Vegas
Kelsey Snelling, 29, Las Vegas
Adam Wilbur, 39, Las Vegas
The eight finalists were selected from more than 100 entries. A jury of local photography experts made their selections based on technical merit, storytelling, and subject matter. There was a $5 entry fee per image, and photographers could submit a maximum of 10 photos. Entry fees are also being donated to Lee Canyon’s Play Forever Fund.
“Las Vegas’ outdoor landscapes like the Spring Mountains are a huge part of our local culture. Based on the volume and quality of submissions, it’s clear our community finds inspiration in the great outdoors,” says Jim Seely, Lee Canyon’s director of marketing. “Lee Canyon is proud to showcase the important moments in nature captured by these eight finalists.”
The Play Forever jury included:
Aaron Mayes – A photographer and curator of visual materials for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
Susan Mowers – Art director for Travel Nevada
Jim Seely– Lee Canyon’s director of marketing
Brad Swonetz – Las Vegas-based professional photographer
Wade Vandervort – An award-winning photojournalist and commercial photographer
Lee Canyon plans to open for its 2021/22-winter season in early December, pending appropriate weather conditions. The resort’s winter operating hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Guests planning to visit Lee Canyon are encouraged to purchase tickets online for discounts and avoid sold-out dates. For information on opening day, visit www.leecanyonlv.com.
As part of POWDR’s adventure lifestyle portfolio of mountain properties, Lee Canyon aims to offer guests memorable experiences that integrate entertainment with adventure in a fantastic setting.