25th Annual “A Closer Look at the Berkshires†calendar contest
Nine individuals have been announced as top winners in the 2009 “A Closer Look at the Berkshires” photography and art contest sponsored by the Quality Printing Company, Inc. of Pittsfield announced John G. DiSantis, CEO and president. The contest and calendar will celebrate its 25th year in 2009. The top twelve images chosen are displayed in the company’s full-color calendar.This years contest had over on hundred contestants who entered over 1000 images to be considered for the calendar. Judges for the 2009 competition were: Paul Rocheleau of Richmond, Jane McWhorter of Great Barrington and Joel LiBrizzi of Pittsfield. All three are professional photographers and have served as the judges of the contest for the past 24 years. The company will debut the 25th annual calendar at the last third Thursday held in October on the 16th. A special commemorative edition will be created for the October “Third Thursday” and the company will host a reception and give calendars away at Pasko Frame and Gift Shop, 243 North Street in Pittsfield on that evening.
Scott Robinson of Lenox was awarded the top prize of $250 for his image of an owl on a pine branch taken in Lenox that will be used for the month of February. George Baldasarre of Pittsfield won the second prize of $200 for his image of a foggy pasture in Pittsfield that will be used for the month of July. Marcel Mazaeu of Windsor won the third prize of $150 for his image of a raging brook in Windsor will be used for the month of March. Anne Kotowicz of Pittsfield will be awarded the $100 President’s Award for the favorite image of John G. DiSantis, President & CEO of Quality Printing Company. This was a special award created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the contest and calendar.
The runner-up winners of $50 were Debbie Drumm of Windsor for January; Barbara Conn of South Deerfield for April. Margareta Thaute of Great Barrington won for June and August, Peggy Braun of Lenox for May and October and H. David Stein of Larchmont, NY for November and December. Jimmy Welch who resided in Williamstown won for the month of September and sadly passed away in June before the judging was completed.
Thirteen contestants had images chosen for the honorable mention section and these are images that make it into the final rounds of judging but are not chosen as finalists. They are as follows: Joseph Strauch of Lenox; Ann Kotowicz and Tony Costello of Pittsfield; Mary Ellen Foster of Alford; Daniel Morgan of North Adams; Bill Madden and Bob Behr of Williamstown; Betty Sartori and Christy Butler of Cheshire; Henry Dondi of Dalton; Donald Malumphy of South Lee; Nicolette Enhorning-Picton of Peru; Richard Lovison of Becket; Richard Migot of Sandisfield; Sara Sheehy of Sheffield and Steven Kapiloff of Weatague, CT. These selections are published in the calendar but do not receive a monetary prize. All participants who enter in the contest receive a complimentary calendar.
Quality Printing Company is a full service digital graphics, communications company located in Pittsfield in a 30,000 square foot facility. The company employs 46 people and provides all aspects of graphics communications and services including large format full color printing; perfecting & digital sheetfed printing, bindery services; digital mailing to various businesses, industries, non-profits and educational institutions throughout the Northeast.
