Cantigny announces photo contest winners

Two photographers from Batavia and one from Sugar Grove recently were honored as the top three finishers in Cantigny Park's annual Cantigny in Focus amateur photo contest.

The winners were selected by visitors to the park.

The winners are:

First place: Mary Lemak of Batavia for her image of the new fountain garden east of the Cantigny Park Visitors Center.

Second place: Chris Edwards of Sugar Grove for his artful image of the Lion of Cantigny statue on a rainy morning in late May.

Third place: Fran Lawless of Batavia for her touching photo of Army veteran and chaplain George Knapp, now deceased, taken at the 65th anniversary of D-Day ceremony June 6, 2009.

The winning shots were among 40 finalists chosen a year ago by a judging panel and displayed at the park throughout 2011. Visitors were invited to vote for their favorites.

The top three receive a Cantigny gift card ($100, $75 or $50), and all finalists were awarded a Cantigny Park annual parking pass.

“We appreciate all those who shared their passion for Cantigny by entering the contest,” said Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park executive director. “Digital technology is making it easier for all of us to take great pictures, and the photo opportunities here at the park are excellent in every season.”

Cantigny in Focus is an annual event for amateur photographers that began in 2006. Submitted images must be from the grounds of Cantigny Park in Wheaton, the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick and part of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

The top 40 images from the 2011 edition of Cantigny in Focus went on display Friday at the park. The three grand prize winners again will be determined by the public, with voting conducted throughout 2012.

The park is open Fridays through Sundays in February and returns to a seven-day schedule in March.

Find information about Cantigny, including park hours, directions and details about events, online at Cantigny.org.