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The Peninsula is an eclectic place, filled with bright young minds and sagely understanding wits. Here we find travelers of all ages. Some were born in the United States and thirst to know more about the world beyond this country's borders. Others were born elsewhere and have come to this flourishing corner of America seeking opportunity.

However, what all of the following people, winners of the 2009 Palo Alto Weekly Photo Contest, have in common is a keen eye for the visual aesthetic.

Tim Aiken and Jack Simon, both of whom have lived in Palo Alto for the majority of their lives, bring us striking images from abroad -- the former from the tropical waters of the Philippines and the latter from the Land of the Rising Sun. Conversely it is a native Russian, Leon Brauer, who brings us a breathtaking vista from our own backyard.

All of this year's winners celebrate photography's capacity to capture the little moments -- moments that individually may seem mundane but which in sum form the magnificent fabric of our lives.

The photographers will be honored at an awards ceremony and opening reception on Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road. The exhibit will be shown in the Queenie Amirian meeting room from June 9 to June 21. The public is invited.

This year's Photo Contest sponsors include University Art, Palo Alto Art Center, Jungle Digital and Bear Images Photographic Inc.

In recognition of their artistry, first-place adult winners received $250 cash, a $100 gift certificate to University Art and a one-year membership to the Palo Alto Art Center. Second-place adult winners received $200 and a $100 gift certificate to Jungle Digital. Third-place winners received $100 and a $100 gift certificate to Bear Images.

Youth first-place winners received $100. Second-place youth winners received a $50 gift certificate to University Art, and third-place youth winners received a $25 gift certificate to University Art.

■ Peninsula Images (adult)

■ Peninsula Images (youth)

■ Peninsula People (adult)

■ Peninsula People (youth)

■ Views Beyond the Peninsula (adult)

■ Views Beyond the Peninsula (youth)

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