The 2025 edition of the Photo Expo was held on Saturday, September 13, showcasing the talent of 75 local photographers. Under the theme “Up close and personal”, the event featured more than 120 of the 220 photos submitted, illustrating unique moments captured in the Municipality of Russell. 

This year’s jury was composed of Lexine Ménard-Mallity (Lexine Photographie), Christine Fitzgerald (artist in photographic arts) and Rita Godlevskis (editor of the magazine PhotoEd). The winners were chosen after lengthy discussions about the theme’s interpretation, the experience of images once installed and their ability to awaken the imagination, wonder and joy of viewers.

This year the winners are: Allie Liko with her protrait “Joy” in the Portrait category, Ashique Azmal Rushdi with his portrait “Reflections of Home” in the Landscape category, Hannah Mitchell with her portrait “Growing More Than Food” in the Best General Photo category, and Elizabeth Bahl-Séguin with her portrait “Defying Winter’s Grip” in the category Best youth photo. 

The four grand winners will each receive $400 in CARFAC (Canadian Artists’ Front) fees, and their works will be included in the outdoor photo exhibition located at the recreational trail’s start at 901 Notre-Dame Street in Embrun. The jury also selected five photos for honorable mentions. They are “Awakening” by Job Koller Kwikiriza, “Busy Bees” by Julie Brisson, “Hunting at the Weir” by Tim Bolton-Gowling, “Mitosis” by Emma Pineo (youth), and “Morning Sparkle” by Paisley Souligny (youth). 

The nine winners and honourable mentions will also receive a subscription to PhotoEd magazine. 

An audience award, Crowd Favourite, was also presented. Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite photo, and it was “Hunting at the Weir” by Tim Bolton-Gowling that won this award, along with a $50 gift card courtesy of Euphie from here in Embrun. 

Thanks to a grant from the Ontario Arts Council and the partnership between the Russell Agricultural Society and the Municipality of Russell, the 2025 edition was a great success. The organizers are delighted to see the arts taking a growing place in the community and are already planning to meet in 2026 for the next edition.