Talented senior, Coronado-Local photographer Becca Bieda recently had two photos accepted into the 34th annual Hays Art Council’s 5 State Photography Exhibition! This competition is based out of the Hay Art Center in Hays, Kansas and is open to 5 States; Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

To be in the HAC Exhibit, the artist must submit 4 pieces or fewer in either nature, people, and/or other. Once the pieces are submitted, they are judged by John Finch, a seasoned professional nature and fine art photographer. If Finch deems the photography good enough, then the artist is notified which pieces are accepted or denied.

The actual show will take place in Hays, Kansas at the Hays Art Center Gallery from December 1st to January 25th where all the accepted photos are up for purchase and will be judged again and there will be a first place title awarded to one piece from each category along with $1,500 in cash.

Last year, Bieda submitted three pieces and two were accepted and her photo “Blocks,” which also won recognition in “The Gazette” as photo of the week, was bought at the 33rd annual Hays Art Council’s 5 State Photography Exhibition!

Becca spoke about both last year’s exhibit this year’s upcoming exhibit:

“Last year was my first time entering into an out of state art show, which in itself was a big step of getting my art out there. I submitted three pieces and two got accepted into the show. One of my pieces sold which was an amazing feeling, and it was also my first ever purchased piece. So, because of the success I experienced through the show last year, I had to re-submit this year. I again submitted three pieces and two got acccepted. The results for the show don’t come until later this year, but I’m optimistic about my placing and possibility of selling one of my pieces again.”

The two pieces that were accepted to this year’s competition, are called “Mirror Mirror” and “Self-Portrait.”

Be sure to tell Becca congrats and good luck!

Below: Becca’s 2016 entry “Blocks” and her 2017 entry, “Mirror Mirror”