Meet the Judges

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Traci Arney, born in Rockwell, North Carolina (1973), holds a BFA in Photo Studies from Arizona State University (1996) and

studied at Oxford University, England. Her photography, crafted in the digital darkroom, reflects the imaginative landscapes of

her inner world.

Arney’s work has been featured in exhibitions at Oxford University (1999), the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California

(2025), and the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition in New York (2002). She has received accolades, including a grant

from the Arts and Science Council (2025).

An experienced educator, Arney teaches workshops and mentors emerging photographers in fine art techniques and

storytelling. Her work blends realism with imagination, creating enduring images that resonate deeply. Arney is honored to

serve as a judge for this fine art photography show.

Clayton Joe Young is the author of twelve books which include collaborations with nationally renowned poets Scott Owens and

Tim Peeler. Young won Best of Show at the Appalachian Mountain Photography Exhibit (2011) and work has been exhibited

throughout the United States in solo and juried exhibitions including the North Carolina Museum of Art, Elon University, the

Gutstein Gallery in Savannah, GA, Center for Visual Arts in Greensboro, NC, The Larson Gallery in Yakima, WA, and Mark Arts in

Wichita, KS.

He has earned a MA in Digital Photography and MFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He is

credentialed as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and Master of Photography from Professional Photographers of

America. Young is the Director and Senior Professor for the Photographic Technology Program at Catawba Valley Community

College in Hickory, NC. His work studies the effects of nostalgia in relation to family histories and memory.