Yes – here we go again – I’m in ArtPrize this year.

While I have a dedicated ArtPrize website to discuss my project, venue and ArtPrize, it’s worth mentioning in my regular blog so you can FIND the information. Here are some highlights:

• Officially – my venue is Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Hill area of Grand Rapids - read more
• There will be 30 artists exhibiting at Immanuel, so it’s going to be a must-see location – read more
• My entry this year is a nautical and conservation theme consisting of Great Lakes images captured while traveling on board a Tall Ship – the S/V Denis Sullivan – read more
• My exhibit will incorporate an interesting glass block wall area shaped like a “wave” – serving as an excellent background to my Great Lakes and Tall Ship images – read more
• While I’m traveling on the S/V Denis Sullivan, you’ll be able to see where I am located each day by using the Ship Tracker – read more
• I will be sailing from Bay City, Michigan to Duluth, Minnesota for 11 days, documenting important environmental research while serving as “eco-blogger” for ASTA (American Sail Training Association) and Great Lakes United – read more

From November 3, 2009 through January 26, 2010 – enjoy the works of Ray Jansma and Stacy Niedzwiecki at the Center.

The exhibit has a “Parks and Natural Beauty” theme. Ray’s work is a grouping of illustrations designed for the early National Parks program, circa 1950′s illustrating Mt. Rushmore, Rocky Mountain, Dinosaur and Fort Laramie parks.

Stacy Niedzwiecki’s work features photography from scenic Michigan locations such as Duck Lake State Park, Townsend Park in Kent County, Sleeping Bear Dunes – and more . The show will be on display through January 26, 2010.

Find the best selection of locally made fine arts and craft at the Newaygo County Council for the Arts – Artsplace. You can find the perfect gift, uniquely chosen for that special someone – along with some treasures for yourself! Glass, stone work, pottery, jewelry, textiles, photography, wood turning, bead work, original paintings, candles, ornaments, cards – and don’t forget – gift certificates for classes and artwork. Stacy Niedzwiecki will be featuring matted prints, boxed gift cards and other goodies such as 2010 Michigan calendars.

Party Date: Sunday, September 27

Party Time: Noon until 6 pm

Party Venues:

• San Chez Bistro
• Bar Divani
• Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
• One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom
• Urban Institute  for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
• West Michigan Arts and Technology (WMCAT)

Complimentary foods at each location with a cash bar! Artists will be present to talk about their work.

Visit http://sanchezbistro.com/events_artprize.htm for information.

SanChez Location:

38 West Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.774.TAPA (8272)
(CLICK HERE FOR MAP and PARKING SUGGESTIONS)

Daytime parking is best across the street from us at the Monroe Center ramp on the corner of Louis and Ionia. Enter the Ramp via Ionia Street. They offer one hour of free parking during the day.

Evening parking is usually available behind our building, plus there are plenty of metered parking spots around the nearby blocks, plus at the Monroe Center ramp across the street.

Click on image to see larger

I’m officially announcing my ArtPrize venue space  – it’s at SanChez Bistro and Cafe!

The area where my work will display – is 36′ long and about 3′ wide. The existing mural will be covered, and my pieces will be hung over the same space.

There is existing track lighting (more could be added) and I also hope to incorporate some sort of flat-panel multimedia component.

This is a very large area, and much work will need to be done in order to have it looking fantastic by September 23, when the public voting starts.

Click on image to see larger

I’m searching for people who are willing to help defray the expenses of such a large installation – in exchange for receiving a piece of artwork from the display. Please contact me directly if you may be interested. This will be a fantastic one-time opportunity to pick up a piece of artwork at production cost.

Stay tuned for more details on which images will be incorporated into the final display!

Register now for a great photo outing at the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park!

Now is your chance to register for Michigan photo event – taking place in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park from October 8-11, 2009!

Sponsored by the North American Nature Photography Association - I will be offering the keynote presentation on the first evening, and helping to lead several excursions in the Park. My outings will be around the rural Port Oneida farm areas, and South Manitou Island lighthouse (weather permitting).

I would like to invite you to experience this beautiful region and the endless inspiration it offers. You do not need to be a NANPA member to participate – but I would encourage you to consider a membership for the multitude of benefits offered for photographers.

Event	2009 NANPA Fall Regional Event
When	Thursday, October 8, 2009 4:00pm - 16+
Where	Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (map) The Homestead Resort 1 Wood Ridge Road, Glen Arbor, MI Glen Arbor, MI, United States 49636
Other Info	North American Nature Photography Association northern Michigan regional photo event at the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.

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Now is your chance to register for Michigan photo event – taking place in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park from October 8-11, 2009!

Sponsored by the North American Nature Photography Association - I will be offering the keynote presentation on the first evening, and helping to lead several excursions in the Park. My outings will be around the rural Port Oneida farm areas, and South Manitou Island lighthouse (weather permitting).

I would like to invite you to experience this beautiful region and the endless inspiration it offers. You do not need to be a NANPA member to participate – but I would encourage you to consider a membership for the multitude of benefits offered for photographers.

After planning this trip for months, it’s hard to believe the time has finally arrived. Fall color reports from Michigan.org are reporting color levels between 25-30% – so I’ll arrive just in time for the show!

Remember – keep tabs both here and at my online Glen Arbor Travelogue. Remember to sign my guest book there!

At this point, I’m preparing some needed supplies, hiking gear, preparing the camera bag, and reading a lot of books and maps about the Leelanau and Grand Traverse region.

If you have some great tips and suggestions about where I should go and what I should photograph – now is the perfect time to tell me about it! Feel free to leave your comments here or on the Travelogue.