Karastan Announces Winners of Photo Contest

Dalton, GA, Sept. 5, 2008—Karastan marked its 80th anniversary with a “Rug-ged America” photo contest, which ran from May through July.

In keeping with the company’s “Make a Statement” ad campaign, top photography schools were asked to photograph a Karastan rug in three distinct environments: a residential environment, a public place and an “American” setting. All entries were posted on Karastan’s website and voted on by more than 11,000 visiting consumers.

Cash prizes of $3,500 were awarded to the photographers who received the most online votes in each category. Taking top honors in the “Residential” category was Sharon Rankin, a recent graduate of the Antonelli Institute in Erdenheim, Pa. Rankin featured Villa Veneto from Karastan’s Antique Legends Collection in a serene, inviting image of a cozy solarium, complete with indoor swimming pool and roaring fire.

Rankin was also the winner of the “American” category. Shot with a fish-eye lens, the setting was inspired by “the glory days of American muscle cars and incorporates a 1971 Chevelle SS and a 1968 Mustang,” says Rankin.

The winning photographer in the “Public Space” category was Natasha Kertes, a March graduate of the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Awash in light and vivid color, Kertes’ image depicts a couple dancing atop Karastan’s Tiana Glacier Blue rug on a sun-drenched beach.

The winning photographers and their images are featured on www.karastan.com. All rugs featured in the photos were donated to the photography schools in appreciation of their participation.

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