Young Photographers Click With Farmers’ Market

The Farmers’ Market is one of Westport’s many jewels.

Every Thursday, it pulses with activities. Shoppers from all over town and beyond stock up on produce, herbs, bread, meat, honey, cheese, pet food and more.

They buy pizza and Mexican food for lunch, Thai takeout for dinner. They listen to musicians, learn about non-profits, meet old friends and make new ones.

The Farmers’ Market is a very cool place.

(Photo/Lisa Lewin)

But it is not especially pretty. It’s in a parking lot. The ground is pavement. You don’t go there for the scenery.

Still, there beauty all around. You just have to look for it.

Most adults are too busy to do that.

Leave it to the young.

For 8 years, the Farmers’ Market has sponsored a photography contest.

“Young Shoots” (get it?!) encourages youth to show off their creative eyes — and win cash prizes (along with an art class and a year’s membership at MoCA CT).

The contest is sponsored by the WFM, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.

On Wednesday, in a low-key, fun ceremony at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — another Farmers’ Market partner — winners were announced in 3 categories.

Young Shoots photographers, at Wednesday’s event. (Photo/Lisa Lewin)

“Kids have a unique perspective,” WFM director Lori Cochran says, speaking both in general terms and about the Market specifically.

Because of their size, wonder and openness to new ideas, “they see beauty in unexpected places. They see totally different moods and lights” than adults.

Their framed photos were displayed on tables, for all to see. Every entrant could take home their own.

There were nearly 4 dozen very intriguing photos. And the winners — judged by a panel of local artists — are:

1st place, ages 5-9: Michael Cuffaro, “Mikey Goes Macro — Mushrooms”

2nd place, ages 5-9: Koa DeCastro, “Strawberries”

1st place, ages 10-14: Isabella Mariani, “Golden Fantasia”

2nd place, ages 10-14: Juliet Newshel, “Rainbow Carrots”

1st place, ages 15-18: Quinn Fitts, “Tomatoes and Blueberries”

2nd place, Rachel Pontoriero, “Hidden Gem”

Click here to see all the entries.

Harry Willis received a special award, for taking all his photos with “an actual camera” (not a smartphone).

The judges — led by Miggs Burroughs and Anne Burmeister — include Ann Greenberg, Julie Dzafic and Samantha Yanks.

(“06880” covers Westport organizations, environmental issues, and youth achievements. We really enjoy when they all intersect, like today. Please click here to support our ongoing work. Thank you!)