The 5th Annual Faces of Evanston photography contest, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Evanston is proud to welcome everyone to another amazing season. We are truly honored to showcase your photography of Evanston to the community and the world at large. Over the years entries have included works by tourists, locals, students, professional and non-professional photographers. They say "the eyes are the mirrors to the soul" and "the eye of the camera lens is the face of the Evanston community". So photographers take out your cameras and help us see the soul of this beloved community.

We have opened the contest early this year to include students from Northwestern University, Evanston Township High School, District 65 and other learning institutions to showcase their photography. It would be wonderful to see images of Evanston from their prospective and hopefully open another door to understanding, interpretation and appreciation of our city.

Everyone is welcome to join the photography contest. Each year we have additional entries and the cooperation of so many venues have allowed the photos to travel to different locations around the city. They included the Evanston Library, Levy Center, Family Focus,the Music Institute of Chicago, Ecology Center, ETHS high school, Civic Center, First Bank and Trust, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Fountain Square Festival and the list keeps growing. Visitors to the site have included local, national as well as international guests using the web to glimpse at Evanston as well. A new feature this year is google map that will pinpoint the exact location the photo was taken in the city so guests can visit the sites.

Recently, I was asked what has this contest meant to me? To be honest, the contest originally started as an event a photo contest but time has shown it to be much more. As the photos moved to various venues comments such as " thank you for including us", "please don't take them away" helped me to realize that a bond was forming with the photos, a love of community, a belonging was evident and that moment was magical. The gratitude, the smiles and connection to the photos would not be possible without the beautiful photos from the photographers, thank you.

Winning prizes in the photo contest are $250 for first prize, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. A reception will be held at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center on September 24, 2009 at 5pm-7:30pm for the winners. The photos will travel in an exibit for a year throughout the city. All entries must be accompanied by a $5 per picture registration fee. A complete list of all of the rules and regulations governing the contest, as well as a downloadable registration form is available at www.evanstonkiwanis.org or facesofevanston.com. Contest entrants can also mail their entries to Faces of Evanston Photo Contest, PMB 157, 1555 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Participants may also call Dr. Blanas at 847-475-4544 to obtain a written copy of the rules. All entries and registration fees must be received no later than August 31, 2009. Student fees are $3-please call Dr. Blanas for student discount information.

The contest is open to all, but photos must be from the Evanston area.

The Kiwanis Club of Evanston is an active service club, founded in 1920. The past three years the club has awarded over $80,000 to Evanston community organizations with an emphasis on programs aiding youth and children. The club meets weekly at Gio’s restaurant, 1631 Chicago Ave. .

For more information about membership, donations or becoming a volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of Evanston please go to www.evanstonkiwanis.org.