Features

Capturing the Gables

Staff

Each year, the Coral Gables Museum holds a photo contest called Capture Coral Gables, in which photographers are invited to submit their shots of the city to a jury that reviews them for creativity, professional quality, and artistic merit – that ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality that elevates the photo from craft to the realm of fine art.

“This year, we received over a hundred applications, and it was challenging for the jury to select only one winner per category,” says Yuneikys Villalonga, director of curatorial programs for the museum. Nonetheless, the jurors (art historian Laurie Escobar, photographer Victor Jaramillo, and artist/teacher Jessica Gispert) honed down the entries to winners in six categories: Cultural Fusion, Centennial Treasures, Gables of the Future, True Coral Gables (Social Media Photo), Curious Gables, and AI Memories of the City Beautiful. The museum also announced an Acquisition Prize, for the photo that will remain part of the museum’s permanent collection, and a Grand Prize winner.

This year, in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the city’s founding, the judges kept a special focus on the past, present, and future of Coral Gables. “This contest and exhibition are very dear to us and are at the core of the museum’s mission of celebrating the City Beautiful,” says Elvis Fuentes, director of the museum. The images were on display at the museum only through June 15, so for those who missed them, feast your eyes.

Grand Prize: “Sonder” by Lou Lozada

“I can’t thank everyone in the world, individually, for the things they do to facilitate the lives of others. But I can do this.”

Gables of the Future: “Brick by Brick” by David Gary Lloyd (Also the Acquisition Prize)

“A child’s presence amidst classical architecture and scattered blocks becomes an idea on identity, history, and transformation.”

AI Memories of the City Beautiful: “Self Portrait” by Diana Perry

“Visiting a friend’s house with my dog…I wished the statues would come to life and I’m sure he did too.”

Curious Gables: “Burger Bob’s” by Carlos Causo

“Unforgettable, memorable. The day before dismantling began.”

Cultural Fusion: “Komorebi Perfect Days” by Marta Tejera

“I was sitting in my favorite spot, enjoying a cafecito and reading a poetry book at Graziano’s; the beauty of the moment captured my attention…”

True Coral Gables: “Springtime in Coral Gables: Think Pink!” by Vicki Cerda

“Whether it’s an explosion of bright candy colored pink in the sky, or on the ground when the delicate blooms fall, the shaving brush tree makes you notice it.”

Centennial Treasures: “City Hall of Coral Gables in a Crystal Ball” by Marco Inzerillo

A historical building reflected in a crystal ball serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of our cultural heritage.”