Teen photographers share their “Stories In Focus” in new exhibition at JNAAG

Sarnia, ON – Winners for the 2025 Teen Photo Contest organized by Lambton County Library, Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery (JNAAG), and Lambton College have been selected and the public is invited to celebrate these talented young artists at the opening of Stories In Focus at JNAAG on Friday, August 1 at 6:00 p.m. The awards presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Award winners, in addition to finalists, will have their work exhibited at JNAAG from August 1 through October 4, 2025 at the Stories in Focus exhibition.

The 2025 Teen Photo Contest Award Winners are:
• Overall Winner – Diya Duggal
• Comedy Category – Ellyott Hargrove
• Fantasy Category – Nancy Williams
• Drama Category – Livvy Clark

Finalists included: Alexis Brown, Anna Brush, Aya Al-Hussaini, Azalynn Campbell, Diya Duggal, Eamon Hurst, Ellyott Hargrove, Emma Anderson, Emma Andrew, Grey Frew, Ireland Averill, Katie Swick, Livvy Clark, Madilyn Reycraft, Mercy Naus, Nancy Williams, Raveena Duggal.

Teens from across Lambton County participated in this year's contest theme, Stories In Focus, demonstrating how young people can tell powerful and imaginative stories through photography. Their work will be shown alongside Blackwater Ophelia, which was created by well-known Canadian artist Adad Hannah. The photograph is from JNAAG’s collection and served as the inspiration for the 2025 theme.

Submissions were carefully reviewed by a jury including photographer Richard Beland, curator Sonya Blazek, and artist Tressa Keyes-Oliver, who also selected the final works for the exhibition.

"This exhibition is about encouraging young artists to find their voice and see the power of their perspective," said Sonya Blazek, Curator/Supervisor, JNAAG. "Pairing their work with a piece from our permanent collection helps show how storytelling through photography connects artists across generations."

This annual initiative is a partnership between Lambton County Library, Lambton College and JNAAG, supporting local youth involvement in the arts and emerging talent development.

"This contest gives teens a chance to express themselves through a creative and accessible art form," added Vanitia Campbell, Public Services Coordinator, Youth Programs & Outreach, Lambton County Library. "Every year we are amazed at the incredible talent displayed by local teens."

Visit jnaag.ca for more information about the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery, including its hours of operation.

Visit lclibrary.ca for more information about Lambton County Library.

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Please contact:

Vanitia Campbell
Public Services Coordinator, Youth Programs & Outreach, Lambton County Library
County of Lambton
519-845-0809 ext. 5237
Email Vanitia Campbell

Sonya Blazek
Curator / Supervisor, Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery
County of Lambton
519-336-8127 ext. 3220
Email Sonya Blazek