Morrill Hall's 'Wildlife and Nature' amateur photo exhibit opens Oct. 1

Released on 09/22/2010, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, through Dec. 1, 2010

WHERE: University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall), south of 14th and Vine Streets [map]

Lincoln, Neb., September 22nd, 2010 —
Grand Prize-winning photograph,
Grand Prize-winning photograph, "Papillion Storm Passing," by Matthew DeBoer of Papillion (photo copyright to Matthew DeBoer)
Winning photo in the Other Wildlife category,
Winning photo in the Other Wildlife category, "Hangin' Out," taken in Cherry County by Chris Davis of Valentine (photo copyright to Chris Davis)

The University of Nebraska State Museum will open its "Wildlife and Nature" amateur photography exhibit Oct. 1 on the third floor of Morrill Hall, located south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus.

Amateur photographers from across Nebraska submitted entries July 1 to Sept. 30 as part of the museum's second annual photography contest. Nearly 500 images of birds, mammals, plant life, other wildlife, natural landscapes, and people interacting with nature will be showcased for museum visitors to enjoy. The exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 1.

The Grand Prize winning photo was "Papillion Storm Passing" by Matthew DeBoer of Papillion. Other winners, by category, are:

Birds: 1, Charles Nolder, Omaha; 2, Greg Wright, North Platte; 3, Kimberly S. Mruz, Fremont.

People and Nature: 1, Gwyneth Talley, Crete; 2, Charles Nolder, Omaha; 3, Grace Farley, Lincoln.

Mammals: 1, Don Wilson, Papillion; 2, Mruz; 3, Wright.

Landscapes and Skyscapes: 1, DeBoer (Grand Prize winner); 2, Larry Nolder, Omaha; 3, Charles Nolder.

Plant Life: 1, Chanat Chokejaroenrat, Lincoln; 2, Charles Nolder; 3, DeBoer.

Other Wildlife: 1, Chris Davis, Valentine; 2, Larry Nolder; 3, Kim Kronschnabel, Bennington.

The photography was judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit and overall impact.

The photo contest judges included Bruce Thorson, associate professor of news-editorial and photojournalism for UNL's College of Journalism and Mass Communication; Katie Joseph, assistant to National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore; and Mark Harris, associate director of the NU State Museum.

The photos of the first place winners will be featured on the museum's website, www.museum.unl.edu, beginning Oct. 1.

The University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik