This fall, residents have the opportunity to visually express what they love about living in Gallatin County — and have some fun along the way. Gallatin Growth Solutions, a citizen organization that provides information and resources about the growing valley, is organizing the “Frame Your Future” photo show to highlight the people, places and things that make the Gallatin Valley such a great place to live.

Frame Your Future is both a photo project and contest. Organizers are making the event fun for participants by creating a platform for residents to submit, view and vote on other participant’s photos. Organizers also see the project as an opportunity to draw attention to the things people care about in the county. The results of the show will be compiled into a visual report, which will be delivered to City and County Commissioners as well as other area leaders and policy makers.

“This is an opportunity for people of all ages to contribute to the future of the County”, said Wendy Weaver, a Gallatin Growth Solutions organizer. “One aspect of this event is to give people a way to share what they value about living here, and to do it in a way that encourages reflection and creativity”.

Both professional and amateur photographers can submit photos, and all ages are invited to participate. There are five categories: Buildings and Neighborhoods, Public Spaces, History and Heritage, The Natural World, and People and Community. The winners of each category will be chosen by popular citizen vote, which will be done through online voting at Gallatin Growth Solutions’ webpage. Winners in each category will win prizes and their photos will be on display during the event’s awards show. The deadline for submitting photos is January 10, 2014.Online voting will run from January 11 through January 31.

Scott Hedglin, principal architect at Architecture118, says the photo show is a good way for people to get involved in a community discussion about the County’s future. “Growth and change affect us all.   The wonderful amenities that make Gallatin County such a great place to live and work can be compromised by the very fact that they are so attractive. That’s where Gallatin Growth Solutions is so valuable; they’re asking how to maximize the upside that new growth brings and at the same they’re helping to visualize what people in the county really care about.”

The Frame Your Future Photo Project will end with a celebratory gala and awards show on Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Riverside Country Club. The event is free to attend and all are invited. Winning images will be on display, and organizers will present a slide show of all images submitted. Attendees will be able to mingle with friends while they enjoy complementary food and beverages.

The contest is open to all Gallatin Valley residents, and photos taken previously can be submitted.   For more information, go to www.GallatinGrowthSolutions.org and look for the “Photo Project+Contest” link on the left.

Gallatin Growth Solutions promotes a resilient, prosperous and enduring future for the Gallatin Valley through its signature initiative, “Gallatin Ahead”.