Commack, NY - July 6, 2016 - Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center recently unveiled the winners of the annual Gurwin Photo Contest, which are now on permanent display at the 460-bed nursing and rehabilitation facility. The striking photos are a signature element of the warm and welcoming environment at Gurwin.
According to Herbert H. Friedman, Gurwin Center Executive Vice President/CEO, the contest began more than 23 years ago with two objectives: to decorate the new facility, and to give local photographers an opportunity to show off their work. “Our contest has a loyal following, and most of the photographers understand that their photo does more than win them a prize,” he said. “When a photo is chosen, it is not only well-done technically and pleasing in subject matter, but also it is selected with our residents in mind. Knowing that it will bring joy to others for years to come is often cited by photographers as the main reason they enter our contest, regardless of the actual prize won.”
2016 Gurwin Photo Contest Best-in-Show Runner Up: “The Tulip Staircase” by Marzena Grabczynska.
This year, more than 850 entries were received in 12 categories. In all, 44 photos were selected to adorn the walls of the Helen and Nat Tiffen Gallery in the main corridor at Gurwin. The Tiffen Company, whose founder Nat was a Gurwin Center resident, has sponsored the contest for 10 years. “Tiffen Company’s generosity enables us to continue to provide beautiful, changing artwork for our residents to enjoy,” Friedman said.
Professional photographers Michael Cassera, Jan LaRoche and Tony Lopez did the honors as judges; a panel of resident judges then chose their “Resident Selections” from a grouping of possible winners. “It is always exciting to enter this contest,” said Karen Celella, a perennial winner whose photo Winter Solitude garnered an Honorable Mention in the Landscape Category. “I am honored to be among the winners again this year. In comparison to the many other contests I have been fortunate to be part of, this contest holds the honor of the very best printing, framing and presenting.”
The Gurwin Photo Contest has become one of Long Island’s premier photo contests, drawing entries from amateur photographers across the country. “There were so many awesome photos this year,” said Lopez, owner of Tony Lopez Photography. “Choosing a winner becomes more difficult each year, because the entries keep getting better and better.”
The contest opens each year on February 15. Submissions are due April 15. Visit here to
view the 2016 winners’ gallery. To be placed on next year’s contest mailing list, contact via email.
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 460-bed nursing care facility located in Commack, Long Island. Gurwin offers skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, medical/post-surgical subacute care, respiratory and ventilator dependent care, an adult day health program, on-site dialysis, hospice care, home care and assisted living. Visit us at www.gurwin.org.
