DALTON—This summer Karastan asked photographers and consumers to help celebrate the company’s 80th anniversary as part of the “Rug-ged America” photo contest. Following hundreds of entries and more than 11,000 visiting consumers, the mill announced the winners.

Winners were chosen in three categories— residential environment, a public place and an “American Setting.” Connie Berry, Karastan’s director of marketing, said the contest was in keeping with the mill’s “Make a Statement” ad campaign. In this case top photography schools were asked to make a statement of their own by photographing a Karastan rug in three distinct environments (categories).

Cash prizes of $3,500 were awarded to the photographers that received the most online votes in each category.

“The creativity and ingenuity, plus the level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail captured in all of the entries was remarkable,” she noted .

Taking top honors in the Residential category was Sharon Rankin, a recent graduate of the Antonelli Institute in Erdenheim, Pa. Rankin featured Karastan’s Villa Veneto in a serene, inviting image of a cozy solarium, complete with indoor swimming pool and roaring fire. She also won the the American category. The setting was inspired by “the glory days of American muscle cars” and incorporates a 1971 Chevelle SS and 1968 Mustang. In keeping with the theme, the image also features a cheerful chocolate Lab, one of the most popular dog breeds.

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

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