BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Environmental Management Council (EMC) announced today that it will sponsor the 2006 Joyce K.L. Smith Environmental Photography Show & Competition. The EMC invites amateur photographers, members of local environmental groups, photography clubs, and the public to submit photographs of Broome County’s physical environment to be judged and exhibited. The purpose of the event, now in its tenth year, is to celebrate Broome County’s environment. The event honors the late Joyce K. L. Smith, a long-time EMC member, local leader and environmental advocate.

Entrants to the 2006 Joyce K.L. Smith Environmental Photography Show & Competition will be asked to submit up to three (3) photographs for competition in the following five (5) categories: Wildlife, Plantlife, Natural Landscape, Cultural Landscape, and People in Action. A panel of local professionals in the arts and environment will select one (1) winner and no more than five (5) runners-up in each category. The entry deadline is Wednesday, March 8, 2006.

Co-sponsors Silver Image Photographics, Vestal; The Garland Gallery, Binghamton; and Che Bella! Fine Framing, Chenango, will furnish prizes. Winning prints and those receiving honorable mentions will be displayed at the Broome County Public Library, Binghamton, during May and June, 2006. An opening reception and awards ceremony will be held at the Library on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited.

For guidelines and official entry forms send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Photo Competition, Broome County EMC, PO Box 1766, Binghamton, NY 13902-1766. Guidelines and entry forms are also available from all contest sponsors and on the Broome County website: www.goBroomeCounty.com/emc.