Axel’s Gallery announces 2023 Photo Shoot-Out Winners

November 16, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

First Prize: Sherry Knudsen with “Sungold Sunflower.” Photo courtesy of Axel’s Gallery

Shoot-out first prize winner Sherry Knudsen reacts to her blue ribbon. Photo courtesy of Axel’s Gallery

Axel’s Gallery and Frame shop revealed the winners to their annual Shoot-Out contest at a reception on Wednesday. The theme of this year’s competition was “texture.”

Waterbury resident Sherry Knudsen won the top prize with her closeup photo “Sungold Sunflower,” her first ever photo submitted to a competition. In a Facebook post to friends, Knudsen said she was honored that her photograph captured the prize. She shared her mix of “shock, excitement, and trepidation” at the recognition. Along with her blue ribbon, Knudsen will have a solo exhibition at Axel’s from mid-January to mid-February, plus a $200 Axel’s gift certificate and a $200 LeZot Camera gift certificate.

Waterbury Resident Kenrick Fischer came second, with his photo “Cracked.” His second-place prize package includes a $100 Axel’s gift certificate and a $100 LeZot Camera gift certificate. Fischer is new to town, and Wednesday’s reception was one of the first community events he has attended, according to gallery owner Whitney Aldrich.

Second prize: Kenrick Fischer with “Cracked.” Photo courtesy of Axel’s Gallery

Whitney Aldrich presents Kenrick Fischer with second prize for his photo “Cracked.” Photo courtesy of Axel’s Gallery

Community members had the chance to vote for the People's Choice Award winner, which they awarded to Calais resident Andreas John’s “The Great Way.” John is a repeat People’s Choice, having won last year’s award. His prizes were a $200 Axel’s gift certificate, plus a free fine art print up to 16x20 by Ward Rice.

Shoot-out voting participation was up this year, Aldrich said, with total votes at 151 compared to last year’s 126.

People’s Choice Award winner, “The Great Way” by Andreas John. Photo courtesy of Axel’s Gallery