The Blackwater Ridge Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its annual Photography Contest, inviting photographers of all experience levels to showcase their creativity and unique perspective through images that celebrate the people, places and experiences of the Allegheny Highlands. The submission period for the 2026 contest opened May 18, 2026.
This year’s exhibition theme, “Highlands Unfiltered: Coming Home,” encourages photographers to move beyond scenic landscapes and capture the emotion, identity and connection that make the region feel like home.
The contest will be judged by acclaimed West Virginia photographer Clayton Spangler, whose work and artistic vision have long highlighted the beauty and authenticity of Appalachian life. Spangler selected this year’s theme to inspire photographers to capture the essence of life in the highlands.
“The highlands of West Virginia and western Maryland are beautiful and it’s not hard to take fantastic photos,” said Spangler. “But the photos I treasure most give a sense of what it’s like to live and breathe here. I would like images to show what it feels like to be here, not just to be present in its magnificence – but imagery that captures the moment of time in place and why people choose to stay in the highlands, or, if they move away, why they always come back. They come back to these iconic moments. Capture that feeling, that sense of home and belonging and show me and immerse me in what it feels like to be a proud denizen of the Allegheny Highlands.”
Photographers are encouraged to use their imagination in interpreting the theme, differing interpretations will be accepted for consideration.
Fourteen winning photographs will be selected for large-format display in the Cortland Acres Health & Rehab rehabilitation wing, where the images will remain on exhibit for one year to inspire residents, staff, families and visitors. In addition to the featured exhibition will be selections for The Gallery, a dedicated exhibit space located in the Pendleton Lounge within the Blackwater Short-Term Rehab Center common area. The Gallery will include approximately twenty two feet of display space featuring a variety of image sizes and orientations, allowing even more local photographers and regional talent to be showcased. Following the one-year exhibition period, the displayed prints will be offered for sale, with proceeds supporting the mission of the Blackwater Ridge Foundation.
This year’s photography contest marks an exciting new chapter for the organization formerly known as the Cortland Foundation. In November 2024, Cortland Acres Association divested its nursing home operations, allowing the organization to renew its focus on affordable housing and community development initiatives. With its continued commitment to serving seniors, low income families and the regional workforce, the organization rebranded as the Blackwater Ridge Foundation.
“We are excited to continue this meaningful tradition with Cortland Acres Health & Rehab of celebrating the incredible talent found throughout our region,” said Crystal Boone, Foundation Director. “This exhibition not only highlights the beauty and spirit of the Allegheny Highlands, it also creates moments of joy, comfort and connection for the residents, families and staff at Cortland Acres Health & Rehab. Through the partnership between Blackwater Ridge and Cortland Acres, these photographs become more than art — they become reminders of home and the love of their community”.
Today, the Foundation continues its focus on strengthening the health and wellbeing of the community by collaborating with partners such as Cortland Acres Health & Rehab. As part of this ongoing partnership, proceeds from the Photography Contest and Exhibition will continue to support projects and programs benefiting residents of Cortland Acres Health & Rehab and the surrounding community.
From the exhibition’s statement of purpose: “Desired subjects should highlight the beauty and activities found in the northern West Virginia and western Maryland highlands and be representative of the people, places, and pursuits found in this region.” Photographs will be judged on creativity, composition, technical proficiency, emotional impact and interpretation of the exhibition theme.
Photographers interested in participating may submit entries through the Blackwater Ridge website: http://photocontest.blackwaterridge.org/. Submissions will be accepted through June 30, 2026. Contest rules and guidelines are available on the website. Questions regarding the contest may be directed to: David Johnston at dsjohnstonWV@gmail.com or calling 681-228-9076.
Winning photographers will be notified by mid-July 2026. The official unveiling of the exhibition will take place during ARTober Fest at Timberline Mountain Resort, October 2–4, 2026.
