Judge: Jeff Dunn Biography: Jeff has been a professional critic in the arts for the last 16 years, and has had considerable experience in evaluating competitions. Jeff is a member of the Music Critics Association of North America and has judged contests for Toastmasters International for many years. A Photoshop enthusiast, he is the only classical music critic in the U.S. to illustrate his reviews with original photomontages. Jeff, with a Ph.D. in Geologic Education, is also an outdoor photography specialist and has published two books of his Death Valley photography. Jeff is a highly experienced naturalist, having spent ten summers as a seasonal interpreter at Grand Teton National Park, and preparing and giving tours for Betchart Expeditions in Death Valley and geologic tours and seminars in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Jeff's photographs have been displayed at juried Alameda on Camera Exhibitions, the Alameda Museum, and as Finalists in Photographer’s Forum Spring Photography contests. Philosophy: Music and photography have much in common. It is their immediate subjectivity that, in my opinion, distinguishes the great from the mediocre output in these arts. And yet both are grounded in numerous principles that need to be thoroughly understood, practiced—and violated when necessitated by artistic vision. When it comes to contests, however, I believe such vision must be consistent with Division definitions to be recognized with top rewards.

After a long hiatus, the annual picnic returns. Check back for details on location, start time, and how to sign up for the potluck.