There are two goals behind the Senior Photography Contest at the Senior Resource Center. The first is to highlight the talents of local amateur photographers, and the second is to bring more attention to the center itself.

“I feel that there’s so much talent in Haywood County, and I like photography,” said Bruce Johnson, a volunteer at the Senior Resource Center, who came up with the idea of a photography contest.

Senior Center coordinator Suzanne Hendrix said many of the computer and iPad users who come into the center are interested in learning more about the photo programs, and she’s seen a lot of talent in their work.

“I saw some remarkable pictures that people had taken,” she said. “That was what started my interest in (the contest).”

But in addition to featuring some of that talent, Johnson said he really wants people to be more aware of all the services offered at the Senior Resource Center, which include everything from the Brain Gym and computer classes to card games and tai chi.

“We have what I consider a gem in this Senior Resource Center. We need to make people aware of it,” he said.

The photography contest is open to all seniors age 55 and up. Prints must be at least 8x10 but shouldn’t be larger than 11x14. Photos must be mounted, matted, framed and ready for hanging with wire (no saw tooth hangers) with the finished entry no larger than 16x20.

Subject matter should be appropriate for family viewing (no nudes), and each entry should include the photographer’s name, address and telephone number on the back. There is a maximum of three entries per person.

Entries will continue to be accepted now through Monday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the senior center at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville. For information, contact Bruce Johnson at 926-7478 or brucemjohnson@bellsouth.net or Suzanne Hendrix at 356-2816 or shendrix@mountainprojects.org.

There will be a reception for the artists and the public from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the senior center, where the winners will be announced and prizes given out. All of the photos will be on display for 30 days.

With the artwork on display, Johnson said he hopes people will come to look at the photos and stay to learn about all that the center has to offer.

“It’s basically to let more people be aware of this building and what’s available here,” he said, adding that the Senior Resource Center is a great way to stay active an involved. “Even if they come and just sit and play cards, they’re active.”

So far, there have been 18 entries in the contest, but people still have more than a week to get their entries in.