Iowans that have an interest in photography are being invited to participate in a contest to have their work put on display at the University of Northern Iowa Museum in Cedar Falls. The contest, called "Iowa Up Close," is being held to coincide with an upcoming travelling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute called "Earth From Space."

UNI Museum spokesperson Romney Hall says photographers are asked to submit 8×10 inch photos, along with artist statements. The photos should fit into one of four categories: living planet, water and air, structure of the land, and the human presence.

"So we want (photographers) to show the beauty of the land," Hall says, "the beauty of animals, the sky, the earth, rivers…and then also human impact on the earth." The deadline for entry submission is December 7.

Hall says the winning photographs and some other entries will be put on display in the UNI Museum through the month of January. Prizes will be awarded to amateur photographers only in each category and in two age divisions – 17 and below and 18 and older. Winners will be announced at the museum at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 5. More information about the photo contest is available on-line at www.uni.edu/museum