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The Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition was developed by Les Fruits de Mer to showcase art created here on St. Martin/St. Maarten, and to engage residents–especially kids–in thinking about their heritage. The Be the Change SXM Foundation provided funding for the contest and exhibition.

The panel of judges faced many difficult decisions when selecting the winners of the 2014 Heritage Photo Contest. With over 75 entries, the competition was fierce, and the works submitted beautifully captured many diverse aspects of the island’s heritage.

The theme of this year’s contest, “Vibrant and Vulnerable”, followed an unusual format and was chosen to raise awareness about the island’s unique natural, cultural and historic heritage, as well as the threats facing this heritage and the need to preserve it. Each entry included two photos–one representing a “Vibrant” aspect of the island and one representing a “Vulnerable” aspect–and the artist’s statement about the photo selections. This format was very open to creative interpretation, and the entries that poured in touch on many different facets of local heritage, from plants, animals and landscape, to history, architecture and culture.

In the end, the first prize in the overall competition went to Alexandre Guerre, and top honors in the youth competition were awarded to Luna Valenti. Their photos, along with many other fantastic entries, will be featured at the upcoming exhibition.

One remaining prize, the $100 People’s Choice Award, will be decided by those who attend the opening of the exhibition. “We’re thrilled to invite everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the stunning, thought-provoking photos at this exhibition,” says Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes, “And, of course, to vote for their favorite!” Voting will be done by ballot between 7pm and 9pm.

For those who cannot attend, or would like a sneak preview of the entries that were submitted, an online gallery of entries can be found at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/vibrant-and-vulnerable/.

Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition
(Pour la traduction française, cliquez sur “Continue reading →” et faire défiler vers le bas.)

Deadline extended: submissions are now being accepted until June 15, 2014.

The Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition is an opportunity to showcase St. Martin/St. Maarten’s unique natural, cultural and historic heritage. The theme of this year’s contest and exhibition will be Vibrant and Vulnerable. The goal of this project is to raise awareness about the beautiful, valuable and extraordinary heritage of St. Martin/St. Maarten, as well as the threats facing this heritage and the need to preserve it. We hope that this contest will serve as an opportunity to explore, share and promote many of the things that make this island unique, and serve as a focal point to understand, discuss and act on the things that put this heritage at risk.

Entries for this year’s theme will include two photos, one representing a vibrant aspect and one representing a vulnerable aspect of St. Martin/St. Maarten, with a statement by the photographer explaining the selection of photos. Photos can be submitted from May 1st to June 15th, although they can be taken at any time. The photos and statement must be the work of the entrant. Qualifying entries will be displayed online as they are received, and an exhibition will be held in June 2014 featuring selected entries. There will be awards for the winning entries in three categories: Adult, Under 18 and People’s Choice. Prizes will be announced during the entry period.

This contest and exhibition initiative is created and managed by the Les Fruits de Mer Association, with funding from Be the Change SXM.

For rules and how to enter:

How to Enter
Submit two photos, one representing Vibrant and one representing Vulnerable, along with a brief statement about your submission in any language to info@lesfruitsdemer.org between May 1st and June 15th. Please submit your images with the largest resolution available so the photos may be printed for the exhibition. If you are under 18, please include your age with your submission. Please consult the contest and exhibition rules before submitting. If you have questions, please contact info@lesfruitsdemer.org.

Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition Rules
1. To qualify, an entry must include two photos (one Vibrant and one Vulnerable) and a brief statement by the photographer.
2. The entry period is 12:00am EST May 1, 2014–11:59pm EST June 15th, 2014.
3. Anyone can submit photos. Anyone directly involved in judging or managing the contest can submit entries for exhibition only.
4. Entries must be submitted by email to info@lesfruitsdemer.org.
5. Photos must be taken by the entrant.
6. Photos must be of St. Martin/St. Maarten.
7. Photos can be taken at any time prior to or during the entry period.
8. The photographer’s statement may be submitted in any language. For the exhibition, we will do our best to provide translations of photographers’ statements in at least English and French.
9. Individuals can submit multiple entries. 
10. The interpretation of Vibrant and Vulnerable is left to the entrants, but entries that disparage specific individuals or groups of people will not be accepted. Contest/exhibition managers reserve the right to refuse entries that are inappropriate, incomplete or unrelated to the theme. 
11. By entering the contest, the entrant permits the use of the photos, photographer’s statement and name of the entrant on the Les Fruits de Mer website, the printing and display of the photos, photographer’s statement, and entrant name at the exhibition, and the use of the photos, photographer’s statement, and entrant name in media releases.
12. As many entries as possible will be included in the exhibition based on the final budget and space. Inclusion in the exhibition is not guaranteed.
13. If necessary, rules may be altered or amended. Prior entrants will be notified of any changes and allowed to withdraw if they choose. 

About Les Fruits de Mer
Les Fruits de Mer is a non-profit association based in St. Martin whose core mission is to raise awareness about nature, culture, and sport. The organization carries out this mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire, and inform. The Association is currently accepting new member applications on its website, http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com. 

About Be the Change SXM
Be The Change Foundation, registered in May 2012, is a charity fundraising group that assists St. Maarten non-profit organizations with raising the monies needed for a particular cause while also promoting the mission and objectives of that NGO (non-governmental organization) to encourage volunteerism.

2014 Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition
(2014 Concours et Exposition Photos du Patrimoine)

Date limite prolongée: les soumissions sont maintenant acceptées jusqu’au 15 Juin 2014.

Le 2014 Concours et Exposition Photos du Patrimoine est une opportunité de mettre en avant le patrimoine naturel, culturel et historique unique de St. Martin/St. Maarten. Cette année le thème du concours et de l’exposition est « Vivant et Vulnérable ». L’objectif de ce projet est de sensibiliser sur le patrimoine naturel, culturel et historique unique et extraordinaire de notre île, et d’illustrer les menaces qui peuvent affecter cette richesse patrimoniale et la nécessité de la protéger. Nous souhaitons que ce concours soit un moyen d’explorer, de partager et de promouvoir les espèces et les habitats qui rendent cette île unique et d’appréhender et discuter des menaces qui affectent ce patrimoine naturel.

Les participations comprennent 2 photos, une présentant un aspect « Vivant » et une seconde un aspect « Vulnérable » de St. Martin/St. Maarten, avec une explication du photographe sur le choix de ces photos. Les photos peuvent être envoyées du 1er Mai au 15 Juin 2014 mais peuvent avoir été prises à tout moment sur l’ile. Les photos et le paragraphe explicatif les accompagnant doivent avoir été prises et rédigé par le participant. Toutes les photos envoyées et qualifiées seront présentées en ligne sur Heritage Gallery (la galerie du patrimoine), et des photos sélectionnées seront exposées en Juin 2014 lors de l’Exposition.

Des prix seront attribués selon 3 catégories: Adultes, Participant de moins de 18 ans et Sélection du public. Les prix seront annoncés au cours de la période d’inscription.

Le 2014 Concours et Exposition Photos du Patrimoine est un évènement initié et organisé par l’Association Les Fruits de Mer, avec le soutien de Be the Change SXM.

Comment participer
Soumettez vos photos, une présentant le thème “Vivant” et une le thème “Vulnérable”, à info@lesfruitsdemer.org du 1 Mai au 15 Juin 2014. Envoyez des images avec la plus grande résolution possible, les photos pourront ainsi être imprimées pour l’exposition. Si vous avez moins de 18 ans, précisez votre âge et date de naissance en envoyant vos photos. Vous pouvez consulter le règlement du concours:
http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/vibrant-and-vulnerable/

Des questions? Ecrivez à info@lesfruitsdemer.org

Règles du 2014 Concours et Exposition Photos du Patrimoine
1. Pour être qualifiée, une candidature doit comprendre 2 photos (une Vivant et une Vulnérable) et une brève explication du choix du photographe.
2. Le concours est ouvert du 1er Mai 2014 12h00 au 15 Juin 2014 23h59.
3. Tous le monde peut participer. Les personnes impliquées dans la sélection des photos ou la direction du concours ne peuvent envoyer des photos pour l’exposition uniquement.
4. Les candidatures doivent être envoyées par email à info@lesfruitsdemer.org.
5. Les photos doivent être prises par le participant.
6. Les photos doivent être prises à St. Martin/St. Maarten.
7. Les photos peuvent être prises avant ou pendant la période du concours.
8. L’explication du photographe peut être envoyée dans toutes les langues. Pour l’exposition, nous essaierons de fournir le descriptif en Anglais et Français.
9. Un participant peut concourir plusieurs fois. 
10. L’interprétation du thème Vivant et Vulnérable est laissée libre au photographe, mais les participations qui dénigrent les personnes spécifiques ou groupes de personnes ne seront pas retenues. Les organisateurs du concours et de l’exposition se réservent le droit de refuser les participations de photos inappropriées, incomplètes ou hors-sujet. 
11. En participant, le photographe accepte que son nom, ses photos et ses explications soient publiés sur le site internet Les Fruits de Mer, soient imprimés et utilisés pour l’exposition ainsi que dans des articles de journaux et media présentant la manifestation.
12. En fonction du financement et de l’espace disponible, le maximum de photos sera présenté lors de l’exposition. Votre candidature ne garantie pas la présentation de vos photos pendant l’exposition.
13. S’il est nécessaire, le règlement du concours peut être modifié ou amendé. Précédents entrants seront avisés de tout changement et autorisés à retirer s’ils le souhaitent. 

A propos de l’Association Les Fruits de Mer
Les Fruits de Mer est une association à but non lucratif basée à Saint-Martin, dont l’objet principal est la sensibilisation à la nature, la culture et le sport. L’Association œuvre à travers des publications, un programme pédagogique et l’organisation d’évènements publics spéciaux qui divertissent, inspirent et informent. L’Association actuellement accueille de nouveaux membres actifs et membres bienfaiteurs; le formulaire d’inscription est disponible sur son site Web: http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com.

A propos de Be the Change SXM
Be The Change Foundation, enregistré en Mai 2012, est un groupe de collecte de fonds de bienfaisance qui aide les organisations à but non lucratif de St. Maarten à élever les fonds nécessaires pour une cause particulière tout en favorisant la mission et les objectifs de cette ONG (organisation non gouvernementale) à encourager le bénévolat.

Vibrant
Vibrant is discovering these funny little beings, finding a house suiting their needs, climbing up the beach, the rocks, between roots and plants. Vibrant is the sound of their scrawling, of their shell rolling. Vibrant is the silence when they feel us around, when they hide in… Vibrant is the smile of our children, when they pick it up softly to observe. Vibrant is putting them back in the exact place, for them to go free, as they had planned. Vibrant was this unexpected meeting while hiking on Chemin des Froussards, in Anse Marcel.

Vulnerable
Beautiful sight, vibrant colours. Yet vulnerable sea. In Grand Case, a lot of houses and restaurants release used water on the beach. It goes to the sea. All that soap, all those chemicals, all type of organic waste mixing with that transparent blue water. At that pace, how long will the bay of Grand Case look like this ? How long before there is no more starfish ? How long before they must change the colour of their house, to match a darker dirtier sea ?
Nice colourful houses, along Grand Case Bay, sadly releasing poison every day…

Vibrant
Vibrant are lifelines
On big sailing ships, is the one hand guiding another, keeping lines literally untangled, guarding the lifelines for whenever they would ne needed.
Working hard to make sure everyone is safe and sound.
Weird isn’t it? It’s all about (life) lines.

Vulnerable
Vulnerable are lifelines.
From the little hands that pick up even smaller living creatures, to the hand that guides the child along, like that hand needed guidance or still does…
Working hard to make sure everyone is safe and sound.
Everything is about lifelines.

Vibrant
Vibrant is the whole environment we live in, especially in places like our tiny SXM
Walk out of your home, and register the first living thing you come across.
Yes, that takes about two meters of walking. We can nurture that!

Vulnerable
Vulnerable is the whole of environment we all live in, especially in places like our tiny SXM.
Walk out of your home, and register the first trash you come across.
Yes….that takes about two meters of walking. We can change that!

Vibrant
Iguana:
I was surrounded with plants, trees, and nothing but greenery. Everything around me was in regards to nature. As soon as I realized this, I saw an iguana that blended perfectly with nature and I knew I must take a photo of it. Whenever I view this photo, there is a great sense of nostalgia that comes with it. The iguana in it’s natural habitat and the vibrant shades of green allows me to enjoy the nature on our island.

Location: St. Peters, St. Maarten.

Sunset:
A two minute walk away from where I live in Philipsburg, is a small beach, where I have the privilege to view beautiful sunsets everyday. And here is one of them. In one of my science classes, I was taught that the sun is the primary source of energy, heat, and light. This lesson inspired me to capture the majestic beauty of the sun. There are sunsets, and then there are St. Maarten sunsets.

Location: Great Bay, St. Maarten.

Vulnerable

Egret:
Every morning when I would go to school, I would pass by The Great Salt Pond. What would never cease to amaze me were these birds known as White Egrets. There would be hundreds of them every morning enjoying their morning catch. One morning on a day off from school, I woke at 5:30AM and got there early to get a bit of morning light just to capture an image of one of these beautiful birds. The Great Salt Pond is undoubtedly historically significant to our island, and around this time, there was news about the filling-in of sand in the pond, which resulted in many dead fish. And it is these badly contaminated fish the birds would later have to consume. When I look at this photo, I cannot help but think how vulnerable these birds were due to human activities. The inspiring feature of this shot is that there is life among everything that has happened. The birds still live on, which is the white Egret’s true beauty in this picture.

Location: The Great Salt Pond, Pondfill Rd, St. Maarten.

Vibrant
St. Maarten/ St. Martin
The mountainous terrain and hills of St. Maarten/St. Martin provides a unique charm. The beautiful turquoise waters and stretches of white sand beaches adds beauty to this beautiful island.

Vulnerable
The Shores
There are many perspectives to a photo. If you look far enough in this one (as many tend to do) you look past the ugly and see what you only want to see. If you look closely (as you are meant to) you see the truth right in front of you. It is a bad habit we must break in order to fix the problems instead of hide them behind a false truth

Vibrant
Une merveille de la nature qui nous réjouit de ses couleurs chatoyantes ; le colibri, ne cesse de battre de ses ailes que très rarement…

Vulnerable
Le pont de Grand Case, patrimoine historique de notre île, témoin de l’évolution, fragilisé par le temps…

Vibrant
This fishing hut indicates the ability of a fishing family who continues the tradition of making fish pots and selling fish as a means of income. One of our eldest trade on St. Maarten.

Vulnerable
The skills needed to make a fish pot is on the verge of becoming extinct on our island.