Two Auburn photographers were presented awards by state Sen. Rachel May on Monday, which was National Photography Day. At an event at Melody's, May presented the New York State Senate Empire Business Award to Erica Manners, owner of Essentially Erica , and Teresa Hoercher, organizer of the Postcard Project.
The awards "recognize the exceptional contributions of these artists to the community, their stories, and their dedication to capturing beauty and essence," according to a news release. Photographers Shaneika Ford and Solon Quinn, both of Syracuse, were also honored by May on Monday. In a statement to The Citizen, Manners said the award shows the value of staying true to yourself, holding yourself accountable but giving yourself grace, and never forgetting where you came from.
"As someone who grew up with little and faced many challenges along the way, I am extremely thankful to be in the position I am in today and to be receiving this award," she said. "I could not do it without the unwavering support of those in my village whose hands are always on my back, and those who mention my name at tables that I’m not sitting at and in rooms that I am not in." Hoercher, in a statement to The Citizen, said she was "so surprised and honored" to be recognized by May with the award on World Photography Day.
Through the Postcard Project , Hoercher creates and sells locally themed postcards and donates proceeds annually to the Auburn Education Foundation and Finger Lakes Land Trust. She thanked the Taste NY Market at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage for selling the postcards, all those who purchase them and the postal carriers who deliver them. "Postcards are a lovely combination of image and message that often arrive in the mailbox with great surprise," she said.
"As grateful as I am, this award is shared with all the photographers connected to The Postcard Project, including Todd Tanner, Chris Brandstetter, Matt Champlin, Nikki Keator and more." Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter..
