Murfreesboro’s Photographer Laureate, Jessica Goings Nelson, has spent her inaugural year building a network of local photographers ranging from amateurs to experts and facilitating connections, classes, professional development, photography outings and new friendships.

Jessica’s final contribution before handing the reins over to the next Laureate is a community-wide photography contest titled Focus on the Boro that will be on display in the City Hall Rotunda this June. She wants this photography event to inspire the community to get out and take pictures, to experience a fun and friendly competition, and to have the opportunity to exhibit and enjoy photography.

Earlier this year, local photographers of all ages, styles and experience levels submitted images in the categories of: people, landscape, still life, animals, flora, architecture, sports/action, abstract/special effects and Murfreesboro.

The artwork will be on display through June 22 in the Rotunda Gallery of Murfreesboro City Hall, 111 W. Vine St.

Results of the final Focus on the Boro judging will be announced at a community reception in the Rotunda held on Friday, June 8, from 6–9 p.m., coinciding with June’s Boro Art Crawl. Organizers will present awards to both an adult and youth (ages 17 and younger) photographer in each of the nine categories.

For more information about the contest or on photography in Murfreesboro, visit facebook.com/groups/photographyconnectmboro or email photoconnectmboro@gmail.com.