The 7th Annual Retail As Art, a high school photography scholarship competition, took place on Saturday, April 25 at Goss-Michael Foundation.

All high school students throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex were invited to submit their photographic interpretations of “retail as art” for the chance to win scholarship money to put toward higher education and pursuing a degree in photography. The purpose for this event is to showcase the best local photographic talent, celebrate and capture the true essence of retail, and reward the winners and their schools for their talent and efforts.

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges, and announced at the Scholarship Presentation and Celebration. This year’s judges included:

• Evans Caglage, photo editor at The Dallas Morning News
• Michael Ainsworth, photojournalist at The Dallas Morning News 
• Nan Coulter, local photographer
• Wade Griffith, commercial photographer
• Lilia Kudelia, curator for Dallas Contemporary
• Michael Mazurek, curator at Goss-Micahel Foundation
• Jeyson Paez (Instagram contest judge), local photographer

For the first time this year, Retail As Art expanded its reach with the help of the Goss-Michael Foundation. The photographs were on display and open to the public for three days prior the Scholarship Presentation and Celebration, where the scholarship winners were revealed. In total, twelve scholarships were awarded to the winning students.

“It was thrilling to join forces with the Goss-Michael Foundation this year and truly take Retail as Art to the next level,” said Retail as Art founder Mickey Ashmore. “It is incredible to see how Retail as Art has grown and truly created a meaningful mission that combines retail, art and education and rewarding deserving students.”

With a 501c3 status, “Retail as Art” is the heart and soul project of Ashmore. A former speech and English high school teacher and current father of three, Ashmore has always been passionate about a child’s education, support and inspiration. All proceeds benefit the “Retail as Art” Fund, which is organized and operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.

To learn more about Retail as Art participation, please visit www.retailasart.com.