For the 15th Annual Dahl Mountain Photo Exhibit + Competition, Sturgis, South Dakota photographer Erin Bender’s “Secret Garden” was awarded the Peg Sagen People’s Choice Award.
When asked about her photograph, Bender expressed, “My photo was shot in Johnston Canyon, in Banff Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This area is called the “Hidden Cave” by locals due to the fact it is not only off the Johnston Canyon Trail, but also actually below it. Since this photo was shot, this off-trail excursion has been blocked off as it has been deemed “hazardous” to the public.” The photographer added, “When I found out my parents were going to let me go to Banff (I was seventeen at the time), this was the number one scene on my bucket list. I feel so lucky to have been able to see this sight and photograph it just months before it was closed down to the public.”
For more information on the Rapid City Arts Council and Dahl Arts Center, see: www.thedahl.org.
About
The People’s Choice award was created in honor of former Rapid City Journal editor Peg Sagen, who was instrumental in launching the annual Dahl Mountain Photo Competition and Exhibit. The award allows the public to voice their opinion for their favorite photo each year.