APA Announces Inaugural Recipient of American Photographic Artists / Lucie Foundation Scholarship

ATLANTA – American Photographic Artists is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the APA / Lucie Foundation Scholarship: Donna J. Wan. The scholarship program which aims to promote growth and professional development in photography, will extend through 2014, and will award $5,000 to an individual each year. The award will be presented, onstage, at the annual Lucie Awards event, by a representative of APA.

"I am very pleased with how successful the collaboration between APA and the Lucie foundation has been, especially with the selection of such a talented photographer as Donna J. Wan, as our first scholarship recipient," says Tony Gale, APA New York Chapter Representative, Chair Scholarship Committee.

The fine art photographer will be presented with the award at the Tenth Annual Lucie Awards in Los Angeles, on October 8.

"The generosity of APA allows us to continue to support photographers who are producing profound imagery," says Cat Jimenez, Executive Director of Lucie Foundation. "That is deeply rewarding. We are thrilled with the inaugural selection of Donna J. Wan, and we look forward to the presentation of her scholarship prize by APA at the forthcoming Lucie Awards."

Wan is a San Francisco Bay-Area photographer, and her proposal will explore a variety of outdoor locations where individuals have committed suicide. Wan's images will attempt to document and translate the feeling of these individuals, as well as the locales, located along both the East and West Coasts.

"We could not be more pleased to be awarding Ms. Wan the APA/Lucie Scholarship," says Michael Grecco, APA National Executive Vice President. "The judges all felt that Ms. Wan's work was a stunning and fresh look at our world and the interaction the human form takes on on our ever changing planet."

Wan's project is currently in progress, and was selected from a short list of 12 applicants. The shortlisted photographers are (in no particular order): Piotr Malecki, Valentina Quintano, Olivia Barrionuevo, Donna J. Wan, Mariel Sancari, Matt Eich, Andrew Spear, Alinka Echeverria, Sebastian Liste, Li XinZhao, Dominic Bracco II and Ami Vitale.

APA National President Theresa Raffetto was pleased with the caliber of these shortlisted pro photographers. "It was incredible to see the quality of the images along with the truly compelling humanitarian causes when reading and viewing the submissions," says Raffetto.

The American Photographic Artists and the Lucie Foundation will offer this annual photography scholarship through 2014. Details about the submission process for next year's scholarship will be announced in early 2013 on the APA website.

About the Lucie Foundation: The Lucie Foundation's three-fold mission is to honor master photographers, discover and cultivate emerging talent and celebrate the appreciation of photography worldwide. Signature programs include the annual Lucie Awards recognizing and honoring the greatest achievements in photography, annually, and The Month of Photography Los Angeles. The Lucie Foundation (www.luciefoundation.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable foundation.

About APA: American Photographic Artists (APA) (www.apanational.com) is a photographers association and leading American organization run by photographers for photographers, as well as other photographic professionals. With a culture that is grounded in optimism and openness, APA supplies the necessary tools for business success, standards, and creative satisfaction. This includes all levels of the photography profession. APA understands that it is our job to be proactive. We anticipate the practical, creative, and business needs of our members with ongoing resources and vigorous national advocacy. APA's reach and standards are recognized worldwide. Our inviting culture and common sense values provide the foundation for all that we do.

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