(TLN) - On the evening of June 15, a vernissage for an exposition that was part of the 2009 photo contest – Le plaisir de vivre à Laval (the joy of living in Laval), was held in the art gallery at city hall with special guest Jocelyne Guertin, who is president of the city’s cultural committee and a member of the executive-committee of the City of Laval. The event, much anticipated by the 25 contest finalists, generated a few strong emotions, since it was on this night that the major winners were announced. The theme of the contest aimed to illuminate moments of daily life, which for citizens represent well-being in Laval. Among the 325 entries received this year, there were a total of about 500 photographs in all. They show happy faces, many emotions, much passion and pure Laval joy. The City of Laval was happy with the level of enthusiasm the photo contest generated this year. “This contest reminds us how much the art of photography influences our common and individual imaginations,” said Guertin. The City thanked all participants for their interest in artistic activities in Laval.

25 finalists

It was with this theme that the members of the jury, which was composed of photography experts as well as professionals in municipal issues, selected the 25 finalists. They are: Gabriel Bobes, Christian Boismenu, Jean-François Boivin, Terrance Briand, Rita Cazabon, Manon Charron, Sarah Courchesne, Annie Deluca, Daniel Dumont, Danielle Dussault, François Gagnon, Alain Gauthier, Pierre Giard, Véronique Fauteux, Normand Jacob, Sonia Lachance, Catherine Lalone, Louise-Marie Lavoie, Pierre-Alexandre Leblanc, Robert Mathieu, René Nadeau, Yves Nadeau, Mathieu Paquet, Julie Quintin and Michael Sensenstein. Among the 25 finalists, six among them were declared winners.
The first prize of $1,000 went to Robert Mathieu for his photo entitled “1, 2, 3,… Go!” Second prize worth $700 was given to Pierre-Alexandre Leblanc for his photo, “Petits musiciens.” Third prize worth $500 went to Pierre Giard for his photo, “La branchu et la tortue.” Fourth prize worth $300 was awarded to Véronique Fauteux for her photo, “Vive l’hiver à Laval!” In addition, two other honourable mentions were awarded. They were given to Jean-François Boivin for his photo, “L’été c’est fait pour jouer,” and to Alain Gauthier for his photo, “Le Chatméléon.” These last two received a gift card good for developing 200 photos at Photo A. Laplante. The exhibition of the work of all 25 finalists and winners in the 2009 photo contest – Le plaisir de vivre à Laval continues until Sept. 27 in the art gallery at city hall (1 place du Souvenir). The visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For further information, call 450-662-4440, or visit the City of Laval’s web site: www.ville.laval.qc.ca.