Boardman’s Lens on Life: Local Photographers Honored at Third Annual Exhibit

The creative spirit of the Columbia River Gorge was on full display this past weekend as the Third Annual Focus on Photography exhibit concluded with an awards reception at the Boardman Arts Center. The event, which drew a crowd of local art enthusiasts and families, celebrated the diverse perspectives captured through the lenses of photographers from across Morrow County and beyond.

Jurors from the Eastern Oregon arts community faced a difficult task, reviewing dozens of submissions that ranged from sweeping landscapes of the nearby Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge to intimate portraits of community members and striking abstract compositions. The winning images were praised for their technical skill, emotional depth, and unique interpretation of life in our region.

“It’s incredible to see our local scenery and stories framed with such artistry,” said event coordinator, Maria Chen. “From the golden hour over the Boardman Marina to the quiet moments at our local farmers market, these photographs tell the story of where we live. It reinforces that we have a vibrant, creative community right here.”

The exhibit, which was open to the public for the past month, provided a platform for both seasoned and emerging photographers. Awards were given in several categories, including Best in Show, People’s Choice, and a new Youth Photographer award aimed at encouraging younger artists from the Boardman area.

Organizers announced plans to make the Focus on Photography exhibit a permanent fixture on the city’s cultural calendar, with next year’s call for entries expected to be announced this fall. They hope to continue growing the event, turning Boardman into a regional destination for photographic arts.