In the small town of Leavenworth, Wash., the residents have a great deal of pride for the area’s mountain lifestyle, as well as their local craft beer. This pride is perfectly reflected in the Framed Photographer Invitational, a cultural event put on by the Leavenworth Mountain Association and sponsored by Icicle Brewing Co.
“Framed is a bi-annual photography competition dedicated to highlighting the unique balance of action sports and the beauty that surrounds Leavenworth, Washington,” explains Matt Bowen of Icicle Brewing Co. “Its purpose is to showcase the diversity of recreational opportunities, unique lifestyle and beautiful landscape of the Upper Wenatchee Valley through the eyes of professional photographers—bringing with them an artistic point of view to an already stunning environment.
The event, originally created by Bowen and Icicle Brewing Co., received a great deal of recognition for its summer 2013 efforts. It was decided that the event would be passed on to the Leavenworth Mountain Association (Bowen serves on the board of directors), in hopes of raising more funds for the non-profit organization that works to connect the community to the mountains for the benefit of both.
Five photographers are asked to participate in each invitational, and are given three days to capture the essence of three specific categories: action, beer and the Leavenworth lifestyle. After the three days of shooting, each photographer has one day to create a three to five-minute slide show that is judged by a panel. Cash prizes are awarded to the artist who tells the best story within the three categories.
The addition of beer as one of the main themes is new to the summer 2014 competition.“The goal of this category is to show the connection between local outdoor communities and the area’s local breweries,” says Bowen. “These photos should highlight the importance of supporting local breweries and businesses, with the focus of quality over quantity—beer worth framing.”
See slideshows of previous entries and winners on the Framed Facebook page, and be sure to keep an eye out for the summer 2014 competition results in September.
Craft breweries from coast to coast find ways to help support causes related directly to their communities. Icicle Brewing Co.’s dedication to Leavenworth and its surrounding beauty through the conception and sponsorship of this event is a prime example. How do your local breweries help support your community?
Grant Puza is the current Craft Beer Program intern at the Brewers Association. A Certified Beer Server and homebrewer, Grant spends most of his time educating himself about the world of craft beer while working at The Post Brewing Company. If not visiting a local brewery, you might catch him somewhere in the woods backpacking, rock climbing or snowboarding.
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