Art League of Ocean City Announces Winner of 2026 Global Travel Photo Contest

OCEAN CITY, MD — July 13, 2026 — The Art League of Ocean City is pleased to announce the winners of its 2026 Global Travel Photo Contest, celebrating the beauty, culture, and adventure found around the world. Paul Burleson earned the People's Choice Award for his photograph, Galapagos Boobie, while Peter T. West received the Best in Show (Judge's Choice) Award for his image, Jesus Plays Pan Pipes.

Sponsored by the White Marlin Open, the Global Travel Photo Contest invited photographers to share compelling images capturing unforgettable travel experiences, breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and meaningful moments from their journeys. The contest served as a fundraiser supporting the Art League’s mission of making the arts accessible to everyone through exhibitions, education, scholarships, and community programs. The fundraiser surpassed its $5000 goal and brought in $5,276 with proceeds supporting the community efforts of the Art League of Ocean City.

Burleson's winning photograph received 550 public votes, the highest total among an impressive 149 entries submitted by photographers from near and far. West's Best in Show-winning image was selected by judges Tom Kennedy, professional photographer, Art League instructor, and past exhibiting artist, and Jim Motsko, owner of the White Marlin Open, whose passion for photography during his fishing travels inspired the expansion of the contest. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the White Marlin Open, each winner received a $500 cash award, for a total of $1,000 in prize money.

The winning photographs capture the spirit of adventure, culture, and the extraordinary beauty of our world. As part of the partnership with the White Marlin Open, the two winning images, along with a selection of other contest entries, will be featured on screen during the 2026 White Marlin Open, Aug. 3–8, introducing thousands of tournament attendees to the exceptional talent showcased in the competition.

Selected contest photographs are currently on display in a special exhibition at the Ocean City Center for the Arts through Aug. 14. Every contest entry can also be viewed in the online gallery and on gallery monitors at the Art League during the exhibition.

“The Global Travel Photo Contest brought together incredible images and inspiring stories from around the world while helping support the arts here on the Eastern Shore,” said Rina Thaler, Director, the Art League of Ocean City. “We congratulate the winners and thank every photographer, voter, sponsor, and supporter who made this year's contest a success. Keep exploring and capturing the world around us and look for news for next year’s contest!”

For more information about upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events, visit OCArt.org or call 410-524-9433.

The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors.