[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

AGA Contest - Request for Input



Hi Folks,

.....I'd like some feedback, please.....

The AGA Contest has been, up to this point, limited to entries of aquascaped
freshwater and brackish water aquariums and paludariums. the common element
with all has been a focus on the AQUASCAPING.

Considering the potential pool of entrants (over 1000 AGA members and over
1500 APD members), the number of people who actually make the effort to
enter makes me wonder if all the work is really worth the bother.

I am considering adding 2 NEW CATEGORIES to the mix this year, neither of
which has much to do with aquascaping. Both new categories are an attempt to
get more people involved in sharing whatever aspect of this hobby they love
with others. Before I do, I'd like to hear what you have to say....

New Category #1. - Botanical Illustration - there is a long history of the
use of botanical illustration and many fine artists have devoted a large
part of their energies to drawing plants. Maybe some of you like to draw,
sketch or paint some of your aquatic plants, or maybe you do needlepoint or
stained glass (or any other art or craft) and use aquatic plants as your
source of inspiration. Would you like to have a category where you could
submit photos of your artwork for display???

As I see it, these entries need not be "strict" botanical illustrations. The
content is left up to the artist's imagination - the only stipulation is
that the subject matter be an aquatic plant.

New Category #2 - Garden Ponds - many AGA members probably maintain garden
ponds. Landscaping a garden pond (or a tub on your balcony) might at first
seem different from aquascaping an aquarium but when you think of it,
aquascaping is just landscaping under water. Do you want a "garden pond"
category added to the Contest to allow you to display your pride and joy?

Again, as I see it, I would not limit this category to full suites of photos
of the pond. If you have a particularly beautiful shot of a water lily, you
could enter it.

So, what do you think? Please be brief and give me a reason for any yes or
no reply. As per usual, off-beat or off-topic responses will be cheerfully
ignored...

Thanks,

James Purchase
AGA Aquascaping Contest Committee