Artprize 2010 Entry by Stacy Niedzwiecki
In 2006, I had the unique opportunity to photograph the beauty of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® race series on the Great Lakes in Bay City, Michigan. When I learned this terrific event was returning to our Lakes and carrying an important environmental theme for 2010, I realized I wanted to document this event in a different light beyond traditional “nice boat” images.
The Tall Ship series is a very popular public event. I immediately saw an opportunity to connect the excitement of the Race, with the beauty of the Lakes via another popular public interest – photography.
The educational research vessels such as the Denis Sullivan (home port Milwaukee, WI) will be leading the race fleet. Additionally, the Inland Seas (home port Suttons Bay, MI) will be traveling to Chicago. I will be boarding both of these vessels to document a leg of the Race, to journal the important scientific studies taking place on board and report on their findings. While chronicling the research, I’m certain plenty of natural beauty photo ops will present themselves, along with thrilling Race highlights.
At times while capturing a beautiful scene, I’ve wondered to myself, “Am I just taking a nice photo, or sadly recording some of the last known sightings of this particular plant or animal in our Lakes?” For our future generations’ sake – I hope the answer is no. Please considering helping me to capture images to spur the public’s imagination and desire to take personal steps towards conservation and protection.
The exact number of pieces that become my ArtPrize entry are yet to be determined. The best images captured will be printed on large wrapped canvas mounted to lightweight foam core. Some pieces will be re-created on translucent materials. The exhibit will hang proudly at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Hill area of downtown Grand Rapids on a translucent glass block wall shaped very much like a “wave” of water.
In 2009, I exhibited 18 pieces at SanChez Bistro as my “Michigan Moments” entry. Please contact me should you have any questions regarding the project, contributing or other offers to assist.
Artprize 2009
A Vote for Stacy – is a Vote for Michigan
Michigan Moments
SanChez Bistro – Grand Rapids
September 23 – October 10, 2009
- Our lakes
- Our trees
- Our sunsets
- Our seasons
The things you love about Michigan…
… are the images Stacy Niedzwiecki has captured so beautifully…
