Appalachian Center for Photography's Outstanding Photograph Award

Rock Castle Gorge Overlook, Floyd, VA | Photopolymer Gravure | 2020

This morning the sun streamed into the bedroom. As it grew brighter I climbed out from under the warmth of the duvet, found my house shoes, glasses, and bathrobe. As I began the descent down the stairs, the cats made a mad dash down past me to arrive at the bottom first. They sat on the kitchen floor, impatiently waiting for me to finish making coffee, and begin the morning pilling ritual (Lily has a serious heart condition). This involves many pill pockets and treats, but, thankfully, seems to be a highlight of their day.

With coffee and thermos, I trudged back upstairs and sat in bed to check email (yes, and guilty pleasure - Instagram). And I saw something unexpectedly lovely. It was an email from the Floyd Center of the Arts. Yesterday Art Appalachia: 2020 opened (and I was pretty excited to just be included). But during last night’s recorded award ceremony, one of my photopolymer gravures received a special accommodation: the Appalachian Center for Photography's Outstanding Photograph Award for my Rock Castle Gorge Overlook, Floyd, VA. The exhibition juror, Wendy Earle made the announcement, but Dr. Russell Young, director and founder of the photo center, is the one who selected my image for the award.