Celebrating Creativity: Winners of the 34th Annual Kimberlin Photography Showcase
We are proud to announce the winners of the 34th Annual Dr. Danny & Martha Jo Kimberlin Photography Showcase, hosted by the Paris-Henry County Arts Council.
🏆 Best in Show: “Desayunando” by Sarah Cendejas
This year’s exhibit featured an outstanding collection of work from more than 50 photographers, each bringing their own perspective, creativity, and storytelling through the lens. From striking action shots to peaceful natural scenes, the showcase once again highlighted the incredible talent found within our community and surrounding region.
The exhibit is currently on display at the W.G. Rhea Public Library from May 3–25, 2026, and we were honored to celebrate these artists during our public reception and awards ceremony on May 3rd.
We’re excited to recognize this year’s winners:
🏆 Best in Show: “Desayunando” by Sarah Cendejas
Action
🥇 Taking it on the Cheek – Michael Grace
🥈 Earned, Not Given – Nicole Blackburn
🥉 Bunched – Barb Edwards
Altered Images
🥇 Angel at Ephesus – Laura Sherrod
🥈 The Looking Glass – Beth Mathis
🥉 Timeless in Blue Suede – Rodger Jowers
Architectural
🥇 Stair – Judith Putnam
🥈 New Mexico Museum of Art – Karen Geary
🥉 Returning to Nature – Caleb Grissom
Black & White
🥇 Quiet Wonder – Brandi Kogut
🥈 Waking the Water – Julie Bisgaard
🥉 La Gare – Judith Putnam
Mobile
🥇 Morning Rise – Becky Crawford
🥈 The Custom House in Blue – Freda Wallace
🥉 Interesting – Collette Wilde
Natural World
🥇 Caribbean Cascades – Alba Fuentes Novoa
🥈 The Invitation – Brandi Kogut
🥉 Bee at the Buffet – Michael Grace
People
🥇 Sherrod with Alvarez – Laura Sherrod
🥈 Pink Hot Line – Barb Edwards
🥉 Her Own Kind of Sparkle – Crystal Norwood
Travel
🥇 Let Me Take Your Photo by the Big Nose – Karen Geary
🥈 Stillness in Layers – Cassie King
🥉 Whispers of Paradise – Emilie Sheppard
Wildlife
🥇 Desayunando – Sarah Cendejas
🥈 Bald Eagles Mating – Amanda Burton
🥉 Contemplation – Karen Geary
Youth Division
🥇 Symphony of the Deep – Scarlett Sheppard
🥈 The Bugle Bull – Scarlett Sheppard
🥉 Husky Blues – Scarlett Sheppard
A Showcase Built on Legacy & Support
This event would not be possible without the continued generosity of Dr. Danny and Mrs. Martha Jo Kimberlin. Through their travels to more than 100 countries, the Kimberlins have captured the beauty and diversity of the world through photography — and their passion continues to inspire this showcase year after year.
Their financial support allows this event to not only exist, but to grow into a meaningful opportunity for photographers of all ages and experience levels to share their work, be recognized, and continue developing their craft. We were also honored to have Dr. Danny’s photography on display during this year’s exhibit.
Elevating the Experience for Artists
One exciting addition to this year’s showcase was the implementation of a detailed judging rubric. Each entry was evaluated using clear criteria, and scoring sheets were made available to participants. This effort was designed to provide meaningful feedback and encourage continued growth for every photographer involved.
About This Year’s Judge
This year’s showcase was judged by Nathan Morgan, who works in the Office of University Relations at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he leads visual storytelling and contributes to the university’s broader communications efforts.
Nathan began his career in photojournalism and has received recognition from organizations such as POYi, the National Press Photographers Association, and the Tennessee College Public Relations Association. His experience and thoughtful evaluation brought a high level of insight and care to this year’s judging process.
Supporting the Arts Year-Round
While this showcase celebrates photography, it is also part of a much larger mission.
Throughout the year, the Paris-Henry County Arts Council works to create opportunities for artists and bring meaningful arts experiences to our community — from the Artist Showcase to the Eugene Gulish Writing Competition.
We are also continuing to grow our Artist Directory, a key initiative designed to highlight local artists who are actively selling their work. This free resource connects artists with the community and helps showcase the full creative talent of Paris and Henry County.
In addition, we host ARTS ‘Round the Square each year on the last Saturday in September, bringing hundreds of visitors to downtown Paris to celebrate local artists, makers, and musicians.
And just as importantly, we continue to invest in the next generation through scholarships, school partnerships, and opportunities for students to experience the arts firsthand.
A Community Effort
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the W.G. Rhea Public Library, along with their staff and volunteers, for their accommodations, coordination, and continued support. Hosting an event of this scale requires tremendous effort, and their partnership makes this showcase possible.
Additional Entries in the 2026 Showcase
We are proud to recognize all artists who participated in this year’s showcase:
Judith Putnam – Fushimi Inari Taisha
Erin Duffin – The Rails, A Snowy Day, A Winter’s Moon
Mary Ann Claxton – Sun Dragon, Batman Rising, Winter Hiatus
Amanda Burton – Frozen Waterfall, Spring Time
Lilly Ann Baggett – Bee Mine, Tranquility, Old Fashion
Freda Wallace – Little Beggar, Daybreak
Michael Grace – The Painted Lady
Jean Owens – Home Sweet Home, A Treat for the Long Trip
Brandi Kogut – The Invitation
Michelle Hopkins – The Rivalry, Welcome to the World
Alba Fuentes Novoa – Caribbean Cascades, Emerald Keeper of the Shore, Where the Light Finds Him
Rick Conger – Hello World
Debbie McDorman – Morning Surprise, Haunted Shack…Beware the ORB, Fiddler Delight…Tip Makes it Right
Janice Harper – What Do I See?, Great American Eagle, Spring Blooms
Cassie King – Echo of Main Street, Veil of Moon
Laura Sherrod – Bouquet in Ice
Beverly Hicks – Serene Drive, Mossy Maze, The Highest Power
Sarah Cendejas – United States Botanic Garden, Ca Beto
Lisha Donald – Lily Bomb, Tobacco Harvest, Shades of Summer
Kristin Randall – Rays of Light, November Aurora, Golden Morning
Collette Wilde – Love This!, Interesting, As I Walk My Dog
Julie Bisgaard – Reflections of Brussels, Sweet Summer Mess
Jan Gray – Golden Hour
Riley Waggoner – Double Sided, Twenty One Pilots Concert, My Smiling Boy
Nicole Blackburn – Hang Time Hero, Floppy Ears, Full Speed
Scott Bisgaard – Antelope Creek
Albert Roussin – Spirit of Simba, Campfire at LBL, Rocket Pup
Deborah Richardson – Where Wild Meets Witness, The Aurora Awakens, Northern Phantom
Barb Edwards – Wall Art
Beth Mathis – Dawn of a New Day, Shellabration
Randy Mathis – Oh the Anticipation
Emilie Sheppard – Under the Sea, A Piece of Me
Jeanna Bogard – Evelyn Jo
Crystal Norwood – Focused Melody, Field Mates
Secret Odom – Odie Kemp Grey, He Leads Me Still
Jay Odom – Legacy, First Light
Caleb M. Grissom – Wade, Falling
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended the awards ceremony, and continues to support the Paris-Henry County Arts Council. Your creativity, dedication, and support are what make events like this truly meaningful.
We invite everyone to visit the W.G. Rhea Public Library to experience the exhibit in person through May 25, 2026.
Let’s continue to celebrate the arts — and the stories they help us tell.