Great Lakes Photo Contest

For the past seven years, Great Lakes Forever worked with local artists and photographers to document our beautiful lakes in the annual photo and art contest. The contest has been suspended for 2012 as we consider new ways to use art to tell the remarkable story of our Lakes.

The winners of the 2011 photo and art contests are show below, or you can view the 2011 winners here.

Kayla Lewis, Big Fish During Sunset Grand Prize Photography Category 2011	Deborah Maris Lader, On Thin Ice Grand Prize Art Category 2011

Using Art to Defend the Lakes

As photographers and artists, every time you capture a sunrise on film or paint a summer storm you are sharing the beauty of our region with others. That's important because our Lakes need all the help they can get. Pollution, invasive species and irresponsible use threaten the health of the Great Lakes. These are massive problems that require active solutions from both federal and local governments and everyday citizens.

Note: The 2011 winning photograph and drawing were pictured on compelling Great Lakes Forever/Budweiser drink coasters. Unfortunately, Deborah Maris Lader's credit appeared without her last name on the final printing of the coaster. We are embarrassed and terribly sorry about this mistake. Please visit Deborah's website to learn more about this talented Chicago-based artist.