Fountain Hills Photography Competition
Everyday Life Extraordinary Perspectives in Our Town
At Art State Arizona, we believe the arts are essential to everyday life, not just as expressions of creativity but as the connective tissue that strengthens community identity, fosters collaboration, and inspires pride of place. Programs like the Fountain Hills Community Photography Competition exemplify this mission—transforming art into a lens through which we see ourselves, our neighbors, and our shared home more clearly.
The inaugural 2024 competition, produced in partnership with the Town of Fountain Hills, invited residents and photographers of all skill levels to capture the people, places, and perspectives that define the community. From the iconic fountain and dramatic desert vistas to the quiet rhythms of neighborhood life, the competition revealed the beauty, resilience, and character that make Fountain Hills unique.
By elevating everyday moments into works of art, the program encouraged participants and audiences alike to rediscover the familiar in new ways. The entries celebrated not only Fountain Hills’ striking landscapes and abundant wildlife but also the spirit of its residents—their creativity, diversity, and stories.
Through youth categories, amateur showcases, and professional submissions, the competition became more than an art contest; it became an act of placemaking. Each photograph reflected the shared identity of a community proud of its history, alive in its present, and inspired for its future. By documenting the town through different eyes, the program strengthened the bonds of connection and amplified the talent that lives within Fountain Hills itself.
2024 Competition Winners
In 2024, the Fountain Hills Photography Competition received 150 entries from more than 30 photographers, showcasing the community’s creative spirit and the beauty of its surroundings. Participants ranged from seasoned professionals to emerging photographers, capturing vibrant stories across diverse categories. This year’s competition celebrated the unique perspectives of Fountain Hills residents and visitors, awarding over $2,000 in prizes and featuring winning works both online and in public exhibition.
Dark Skies
Celebrate Fountain Hills’ designation as an International Dark Sky Community with images of the night sky and celestial beauty.
1ST PLACE – Lagoon Nebula – Scott Adams
2ND PLACE – Starlink Falcon 9 Launch #2 – James Smallwood
3RD PLACE – California Nebula – Scott Adams
HONORABLE MENTION – Elephant in My Yard – Denis Kolesnikov
HONORABLE MENTION – American Pelican – Denis Kolesnikov
HONORABLE MENTION – Partial Eclipse – James Smallwood
HONORABLE MENTION – A Light Show – Paul Livingston
HONORABLE MENTION – Lightning Breaks Over Red Mountain – Wesley Francis-Mead
Digitally Altered Photographs
Highlight creative vision through digitally enhanced and artistically manipulated photographs.
1ST PLACE – Ridgeline Trail Vista – Jennifer Ramm
2ND PLACE – Ray of Hope – James Smallwood
3RD PLACE – Friends – Paul Livingston
HONORABLE MENTION – A View From My Backyard – David Krueger
HONORABLE MENTION – I Love Fountain Hills – James Smallwood
HONORABLE MENTION – Ring of Reflection #2 – Jane Crafter
HONORABLE MENTION – Need A Lift? – Paul Livingston
HONORABLE MENTION – For Sale – Paul Livingston
Life in Fountain Hills
Capture the essence of daily life, events, and iconic moments in Fountain Hills.
1ST PLACE – Fireworks at the Fountain – Don Irwin
2ND PLACE – Selfie – Paul Livingston
3RD PLACE – Fountain Hills Ballooning – Cheyenne Rouse
HONORABLE MENTION – Monsoon Time – Don Irwin
HONORABLE MENTION – USN SEAL Team Parachuting in with Flag – Don Irwin
HONORABLE MENTION – Family Fun at Concours in the Hills – Linda Brader
HONORABLE MENTION – Splash Pad Fun – Michelle Lombardi
HONORABLE MENTION – Fountain Hills – Steven Charlton
Places in Fountain Hills
Showcase local architecture, landmarks, and gathering spaces that define the town.
1ST PLACE – Bird’s Eye View – Sharon M. Latham
2ND PLACE – The Fountain in Black and White – Wesley Francis-Mead
3RD PLACE – Pink Globemallow – Jo Dell Stevenson
HONORABLE MENTION – Serenity – Jane Crafter
HONORABLE MENTION – Statue at Fountain Hills Community Center / Centennial Circle – Jennifer Ramm
HONORABLE MENTION – Dusk in Solitude – Jennifer Ramm
HONORABLE MENTION – Fred and Ginger at the Fountain Hills Park – Jennifer Ramm
HONORABLE MENTION – Sunset at the Fountain – Rene Johnson
Plants and Wildlife in Fountain Hills
Explore the natural wonders of Fountain Hills, from desert plants to local wildlife.
1ST PLACE – Bald Eagle and Starlings – Scott Adams
2ND PLACE – Cormorant Eating Fish – Scott Adams
3RD PLACE – Horned Owl – Don Irwin
HONORABLE MENTION – I Got My Eye on You – Mary Beth Livingston
HONORABLE MENTION – A Chameleon – Paul Livingston
HONORABLE MENTION – Blue Heron Landing – Scott Adams
HONORABLE MENTION – Snowy Egret Reflection – Scott Adams
HONORABLE MENTION – Blue Heron with Fish – Scott Adams
Youth
Photographers under 18 capture their perspectives on Fountain Hills life and landscape.
1ST PLACE – Long Road to the Flag – Jake Johnson
2ND PLACE – Metal Cactus – Jake Johnson
3RD PLACE – Fountain – Jake Johnson
HONORABLE MENTION – Evening Drive – Jake Johnson
HONORABLE MENTION – Open Trail – Jake Johnson
