Sarah MacEachern, a Holland College Photography and Digital Imaging student, has had an image selected by the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators for inclusion in the national Rodeo3! exhibition. Meanwhile, fellow student Ian Fildes recently won the BMO Art First! prize for a PEI student for his photographic entry in that national competition.

Rodeo³! gives students a chance to display their work, and rewards young innovators in photography and illustration professions. Students from all over the country enter their work in photography and illustration categories to win prizes and garner industry recognition, Rodeo³ contest winners currently have their work displayed on the CAPIC website, and were displayed during the award gala ceremony and exhibition held in Montreal earlier this year. 

The BMO 1st Art! Invitational Student Art Competition is a celebration of the creative excellence of art students from post-secondary institutions across Canada. Deans and instructors of undergraduate certificate, diploma, and degree programs in visual art are invited to select three students from their graduating classes whose ability and imagination place them top among their peers. A distinguished panel of judges chooses an overall national winner and one winner from each province and territory.

Photography and Digital Imaging instructor Alex Murchison said the experience of entering national competitions is very beneficial for the students.

"We encourage our students to participate in competitions such as these because they are a good way for students to find out how their work measures up with their peers nationally," he said. "The recognition that they receive is a great endorsement of their talent and hard work, as well."