Now that spring is in full bloom, and most people are vaccinated, and the world is sort of getting back to (the new) normal, I am heading for the hills to enjoy some hiking, fishing and lots of nature photography. And I hope all of you will be out enjoying the outdoors doing what makes you happiest, too.
Here are a few items of note to let you know what OWAC is currently actively engaged in. First of all, our Excellence in Craft awards program is still open for entries until April 30th. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to collect all of your best work from 2020 and submit them via the contest website for consideration. New this year, 1st place award winners earn $75, 2nd place $50, and 3rd place winners will earn $25. Not bad for maybe 15 minutes of your time to upload your best work. Don’t let this great opportunity pass you by!
The website (www.owac.org) just keeps getting better and better. If you haven’t peeked at it recently, please do! And while you’re in there, make sure to upload a nice photo of yourself and fill out your profile. Your customized profile page is one the fantastic benefits for members to promote themselves and their work. It’s also where fellow members can reach you and where prospective editors can find you to connect and offer new assignments.
Planning for a Fall In-Person Conference is underway with details coming shortly. Dates are not solid yet, but we are shooting for September 2021. Stay tuned!
Also exciting, the 2nd Annual Pat Vachini High School Writing & Photography Contest is underway. So far, entries have been received from seven different California High Schools. OWAC will be paying more than $1,000 to the award winners. By giving back to high schoolers, we are helping to develop the next generation of future outdoor writers and photographers.
Lots more exciting news coming up, too, but I’ll save those details for our next newsletter. In the meantime, I hope you all are basking in the splendid spring weather and are able to get outdoors to fully explore and relish in all of the colorful beauty that California now has on full display. So many opportunities, and most within just a short drive away. Get out and enjoy it!
All the best!
Carrie
