THIS IS OUR BOUND BROOK Photo Competition Opens February 11

Entries are now being accepted to "This Is Our Bound Brook", a home-grown photo contest seeking to share what's unique about the scenic Somerset County borough as seen by those who live, work and visit there.

The contest is presented by Bound Brook Cultural Arts Committee in conjunction with Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership.

Fifteen cash prizes totalling $2,800 will be awarded in 12 subject categories in separate Youth and Adult divisions, along with separate prizes given for photographs judged as 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place overall Best of Show.

Entry submission begins February 11, 2019 and ends March 28, 2019. There is no entry fee. To enter the contest, see official rules and entry form at www.downtownboundbrook.com/this-is-our-bound-brook.

Though there is no residency requirement to enter the contest, the photo subject must be located in or have occurred in Bound Brook. "We'd love it if tons of folks came from all over to document what they think is special about Bound Brook," says Lawrence McCullough, downtown manager with Bound Brook Revitalization Partnership.

Bound Brook Council President and Cultural Arts Committee member Abel Gomez notes that a century ago, Bound Brook was home to one of the world's most celebrated photographers, Margaret Bourke-White, and several gifted amateur lensmen such as Dr. Jonathan Pardoe and Elmer Schoonmaker, who had offices right on Main Street.

"We believe we have just as many talented photographers today using all kinds of devices and formats," says Gomez. "This is their chance to show Bound Brook from their own personal perspective."

Bound Brook Cultural Arts Committee was created by council ordinance to promote the expression and appreciation of visual, literary and performing arts in Bound Brook. "The arts tell our history in many different ways," states Committee Chair Anna Shaffner. "We hope 'This Is Our Bound Brook' will encourage more Bound Brook residents to tell that history through photography."

For information on "This Is Our Bound Brook" and other Bound Brook cultural events, see www.downtownboundbrook.com.