| March 2009 |
Vol 3, Issue 3
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| Dear Reader, |
March is a time of anticipation. The daylight hangs on a little longer, the weather is supposed to
be improving, and many folks look forward to some sort of "spring
break". It's my hope this eNewsletter provides few moments of
relaxation - even if you can't always physically get away...
 A
nice activity this time of year is keeping an eye out for migrating
birds, whether it be at a local park, along a lake shore or at your own
feeder. I'm always surprised on my outings by the sheer number of birds
passing by us daily - at a time of year when we aren't exactly paying
close attention.
 Keep a birding book handy in your glove compartment or backpack (or if you don't have a guide - pick one up!).
For example, this photo is NOT a hawk, but an immature bald eagle
without its white head. Eagles takes about six years to develop that
signature look. This one was spotted circling over Lake Macatawa in
Holland.
 Often,
birding books outline areas for prime bird watching. It might sound
odd, but one great place for seeing a large variety of bird is at the Muskegon Wastewater Treatment Area.
At least 256 species of birds have been documented at the facility
(two-thirds of all species ever recorded in Michigan). You have to
register at their office to explore the area, but it's well worth the
stop to get your pass.
Of course, there is plenty to enjoy about spring - including emerging plants, flowers, animals - and a breath of fresh air!
Starting in May, I'll will begin having approximately one art show sales event
a month through the end of the year. If you can't wait and would like
something new for your home decor, try your chance at winning a FREE 8x10 print!
How? By forwarding this email to a friend
who appreciates photography and the outdoors. I only ask that you play
fair - no one likes to receive unwanted email. The February 2009 winner
is Tony Cellini of Monticello, New York.
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| Change of Seasons Show |
I've been driving around quite a bit in the Muskegon and White Lake
area, in order to get my bearings and search for photo ops while I take part in the Pure Michigan Photography Contest.
In Montague, the Arts Council of White Lake has a beautiful little
gallery and art center - and it just so happened they are re-opening for
the season. For the past six years, they've taken entries at this time of year for a juried
exhibit titled - Change of Seasons.
Since I was right in the area, I figured I'd bring two pieces over for
the show. I am pleased to learn both have been accepted into
the exhibit!
The White River Gallery will host a reception on Saturday, March 21 at 2 pm.
The 2009 juror is artist Lindsay Isenhart, the program coordinator at
the Newaygo County Council for the Arts. Lindsay will present her
statement and awards at the public reception. I will be attending, so if you're looking for an
afternoon outing - come say hello!
The exhibit will hang in the Gallery from March 20 until April 11,
2009. For more information, visit the Arts Council of White Lake website at www.artscouncilofwhitelake.org. |
| Get Your Daily Michigan Fix! |
A new fun feature at MichiganMoments.com is the quick view of the daily archive. From here, you can click on any posting for that day to see image details and ordering information.
You may also search photographers and images by keyword so you can find just what you are looking for. Give it a try!
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| Your Moment is Here |
Experience a daily photographic journey though some scenic locations throughout the
Great Lakes State - from backyard settings, local parks and our
beautiful lakeshores! |
| Help A Girl Dream! |
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| Upcoming Events |
03.20 - 04.11.200903.21.2009
06.05 - 06.07.2009festival 2009 Art Sales on Calder Plaza 250 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 festivalofthearts.org616-459-1300
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| Retail Locations |
Frenz Coffee4 E. Bridge Street Rockford, MI 49341 Phone: 616.863.8750
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| It's Magic! |
Hosting a corporate party or special event? Give your celebration some real flair!
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| Name Your Dream Assignment |
A few days ago, I submitted an idea to the Name Your Dream Assignment online contest. It's open to photographers of all
backgrounds. They're looking for the most creative, inspiring photo shoot
idea out there. The photographer with the winning idea will win $50,000
to bring his or her dream assignment to life.
From March 3 to April 3, 2009, the ideas are open to a public vote.
So - I'm asking all my readers to help me out - by voting for my idea (to vote - please click on the "PIC IT" logo beside my assignment idea). Only one vote is allowed per computer. The Top 20 ideas with the most "pics" coming out of the vote will then
be judged by an expert panel, who will select the winner based on the
originality and creativity of the photographer's idea.
My dream photo opportunity will also benefit the Arthritis Foundation if I am chosen. Indirectly you can help a very worthy organization by selecting my idea. Thank you in advance!
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| Robert deJonge Images Featured on MichiganMoments |
 MichiganMoments.com has added another photographer's work to the site - the beautiful images of Robert deJonge of Petoskey, Michigan.
Bob has been working as a professional designer and photographer for
over thirty years. When computer imaging met personal computing in the
mid-1980's he was quick to see the possibilities. "It's not easy
blending the technical aspect of my craft with the creative playfulness
necessary for exciting work, but I hope that my 'eyes of a child'
approach to images and my professional skill is evident in every piece
I produce."
 Bob's work hangs in many private collections and he has been honored
with selection as an Artist-in-Residence in several national parks -
2005 at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 2006 at Acadia National
Park, and 2007 at Petrified Forest National Park. His most recent honor
was the selection of two of his works to hang in the Michigan
Governor's residence in Lansing.
 He makes his home in Petoskey, Michigan where there is plenty of
natural inspiration. "I'm always open to new subjects and new places,
but Northern Michigan is my first love."
Bob offers 8×10 and 11×17 prints at MichiganMoments - larger images can be purchased through his website or by contacting him directly.
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| festival 2009 - 40th Anniversary! |
 I
just received word last week I have been accepted to have my sales
booth again in the Art Sales Tent at Festival of the Arts 2009 - which
will be held June 5, 6 and 7, 2009!
This year Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in Grand Rapids - so you won't want to miss this one.
If you're not familiar with Festival (and it's hard to believe anyone around West Michigan wouldn't...)
- it's the largest all-volunteer arts event in the nation! It's a
three-day arts celebration, always held the first full weekend in June
in downtown Grand Rapids.
It encompasses almost all of downtown Grand Rapids with six
performance stages; lots and lots of food booths offering ethnic
delights of all kinds; singers, dancers, thespians, visual artists, and
performers from all over West Michigan; more than 20,000 hard-working
volunteers; and over half a million people in attendance.
Visit the Festival website for more information
Art Tents on Calder Plaza - June 5, 6 & 7, 2009- Friday:
Noon - 9 pm
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Saturday:
10 am - 9 pm
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Sunday:
10 am - 5 pm
West
Michigan's finest artists and craftspeople sell their wares, including
pottery, jewelry, folk art, photography, handmade paper, metal
sculpture, wood sculpture, fiber art, glass sculpture, watercolors,
acrylics, and oils. I
will be offering greeting cards, boxed gift card sets, matted prints in
a variety of sizes and new framed pieces. Mark your calendars!
VOLUNTEERS for my booth are ALWAYS welcome! It
takes a good long week of preparation in order to make Festival
happen. I'm putting out my annual call for booth volunteers or help
packaging products. If you think you can lend a couple of hours, please contact me for details. "Team Niedzwiecki" always has lots of fun each year. |
| March Madness |
 Admittedly,
March often isn't my favorite time of year. Mother Nature has some
major mood swings and she's hard to deal with! However, I've been so
busy with the Pure Michigan Photo Competition, working on a variety of websites for clients, and preparing for upcoming art shows - the days are flying by.
I've working a bit with photographer John Dykstra of Hudsonville, who is helping me learn some lighting and studio techniques. I've taken several outdoor photo workshops in the past with John. He is also an excellent portrait and studio photographer with 35 years of experience. Please consider him for your next photo session. His studio is located on Chicago Drive in Hudsonville. Thank you, John - for your generous assistance and patience in teaching me some new skills!
Happy March Birthday wishes go out to: friends Mindy Ysasi, Kelley Losey, Erich Schroeder, Cindy Grace, John Salzwedel, Kimberly Bolden-Fuentes, Chris VanWingen, Deborah Johnson Wood, Ronnie Madden, Max Gibbard, and Andrew Skurka!
Remember, if you'd like - remind me of an important date so I can include your special day in the next newsletter!
With much appreciation for your words of encouragement and continued support!
Stacy |
Stacy Niedzwiecki
Creative Solutions
Web: www.StacyN.com
Current News: www.StacyN.com/wordpress
Your Daily Michigan Moment: www.MichiganMoments.com
Look around and experience the natural beauty surrounding us each and every day.
You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find!
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