Maria Lentz Chair, Communications Committee, ARTA

As chairperson of ARTA’ s Communications Committee, it was my pleasure to assist with judging the entries for the 2026 Photo Contest. ARTA’ s vision is to promote a strong, inclusive community of retired educators and like-minded individuals who are dedicated to living a healthy, active, involved lifestyle within retirement. The annual photo contest provides an excellent opportunity for an active community of photography enthusiasts to share some of their work with the ARTA membership.

Three judges— myself, Virginia Quist from ARTA’ s Marketing team, and ARTA member Kim Yamashita— evaluated a total of 147 entries in the Novice and Master levels. The categories for this year’ s contest were“ Travel,”“ Simple Joys,”

“ Beauty in Chaos,” and“ Movement.” Judging the contest entries was very enlightening as these topics invited a wide variety of interpretations. It was truly a fantastic glimpse into the creative minds of ARTA members.

On behalf of the ARTA Communications Committee and my fellow judges, I extend our thanks to everyone who entered. Thank you, as well, to Collette, one of ARTA’ s wonderful travel partners, who donated an additional $ 500 prize to the two winners in our Travel category.

Plans for the 2027 ARTA Photo Contest are already underway. Please continue to capture those special photos that enrich our lives and our understanding of the beauty in the world around us.

AUTUMN 2026 | 41