| May / June 2009 |
Vol 3, Issue 5
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Dear Stacy,
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"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."
- Aristotle
 There have been many marvelous nature experiences over the past two months for me. So many, in fact, it delayed my writing of this eNews considerably! Therefore, you're receiving a "combo" issue this time, to encompass both May and June newsletters.
 There's been not only marvelous encounters with nature subjects - but with very interesting people due to my involvement with the Pure Michigan Photo Contest.
 When the event started (I must admit), I was rather uncomfortable walking up to complete strangers or knocking on doors asking for photo releases. Having been predominantly a nature photographer to this point, I've never had to concern myself with such things.
 It turns out - the biggest joy for me is how friendly and helpful everyone has been! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those who have handed me a cup of coffee, drawn a map, told me of a great photo op - or cheered me on with a hearty "Good Luck!" - THANK YOU.
The competition will come to a close on June 30, and I will have all my images turned in for judging by July 15. I'm up against some really terrific competition, and I wish them all well. No matter who the "winner" will be, the experience of making new friends throughout Muskegon County will be the best "prize" of all.
 Speaking of prizes... each eNewsletter, I offer a chance for you to win a FREE 8x10 print! How? Forward 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 April 2009 8x10 print recipient is Gary Reid - congratulations!
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Last Call for Volunteers!
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 OK - it's crunch-time! I need to find a few more folks to help in my booth at Festival of the Arts 2009.
If you think you can lend a couple of hours, please contact me for details, so I schedule you onto a shift. Please considering coming down for a delicious snack and some fun with "Team Niedzwiecki".
Festival 2009 will be held on June 5, 6 and 7 - and celebrates its 40th anniversary in Grand Rapids - so you won't want to miss this one! They even have a great new website - www.festivalgr.org
If you're not familiar with Festival (though it's hard to believe anyone around West Michigan wouldn't...) - it's one of the largest all-volunteer arts event in the nation! A three-day arts celebration, always held the first full weekend in June in downtown Grand Rapids.
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
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Ultimate Photo Contest
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 Two of my images are currently in the 2009 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. The Grand prize? A
National Geographic Expeditions trip for two to the Galápagos Islands! The photo will also published in National Geographic magazine.
 Right now, the public can vote on their favorite images, which will advance to the Judging Phase in July. The top 2 entrants from each of the six (6) theme categories will then move on to another round of public voting in mid-August.
If you'd like to help - please place a vote for:
- Naturally Yours (light in the trees)
in the April - Week 2 Gallery, and - Power & Glory (Grand Haven lighthouse)
in the May - Week 1 Gallery
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Your Moment is Here
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Experience a daily photographic journey though some scenic locations throughout the
Great Lakes State - from backyard settings, local parks and our
beautiful lakeshores! |
| Upcoming Events |
Through 05.30.2009Statewide Photography Contest ExhibitNCCA Artsplace13 E. Main Street Fremont, MI 231-924-4022 06.05 - 06.07.2009festival 2009Art Sales on Calder Plaza 250 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 festivalofthearts.org616-459-1300 06.08.2009
the Specialty ShopLocal Artists' Event9am - 4pmSpectrum Butterworth Hospital 100 Michigan St. NE 1st Floor - next to Gift Shop Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.486.5910 Check Stacy's
Online Calendar of Events |
| Retail Locations |
Frenz Coffee4 E. Bridge Street Rockford, MI 49341 Phone: 616.863.8750 O's Bait & Tackle30 E. Bridge Street
Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: 616.866.7047
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It's Magic!
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Hosting a corporate party or special event? Give your celebration some real flair!
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It's Showtime!
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Several opportunities to view my work are coming as the summer art show season kicks into full swing! It's the last week for the Newaygo County Council for the Arts Statewide Photography Competition Exhibit displaying through Saturday, May 30. This is always an excellent show in a terrific venue in downtown Fremont, Michigan. I'm honored to announce my photo Naturally Yours received First Place - and is hanging prominently in the gallery - along with a second accepted piece - titled Magnificent Magnolias. Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids is always a fun event. I have one photography piece in this year's Regional Arts Competition. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 29 from 5 - 9 pm, with the exhibit continuing through June 14 ( days and hours will be posted soon - check festivalgr.org). Additionally, this is my third season participating at the Art Sales Tent on Calder Plaza. Find me in Booth #20 in the East Tent - right on the Calder Plaza: - Friday June 5
- Saturday, June 6
- Sunday, June 7
You'll see brand new images, products, and can register to chance to win an
8x10 print of your choice at my booth! Oh - and please - everyone bring an umbrella - so this year it won't rain... On Monday, June 8th (yes, the day after Festival weekend!),
I will be part of a one-day show at Spectrum Butterworth
Hospital. Open for the public to enjoy, this sales event showcases a
select group artists who
offer their work for purchase at the Lemmen Holton Specialty Shop
(located across the street). The purpose of the show is to introduce
the hospital staff (as well as visitors) to the other terrific shopping options
available at the Spectrum campus. The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion is a new state-of-the-art building, and their Specialty Shop has beautiful items for purchase.
Come find us on the first floor of Spectrum Butterworth, next to the
main Gift Shop. The show runs from 9 am until 4 pm. Check my online event schedule throughout the summer as more show dates are listed once confirmed. Events I am in the processing of applying for are:
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Retail Therapy
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There's no better way to get our economy kick-started again than by shopping locally. Here are a few options to get you started...
 Frenz Coffee in Rockford always has a few of my framed images, and often some prints and greeting cards. For a fun Saturday outing - you can hit the Rockford Farmers Market and head over to Frenz for a hot cup of java and a healthy lunch option. The walls are tastefully decorated with work from local artists, and often a live music performance.
O's
Bait and Tackle in downtown Rockford now carries my matted 8x10 wildlife
images for purchase in a flip bin. Often, you will find my birds of
prey images, local fauna and popular water scenes gracing their wall - alongside
all your must-have fishing items. Remember - Father's Day is June 21st!
 Robinette's Gift Barn and Winery in northeast Grand Rapids has their local artists back for the season, along with
all of their wonderful treats at the Apple Haus. Spring hours are Tue thru Sat from 9am to 5pm. While enjoying your wine samples, stroll through the working Art
Gallery. The Gallery features work from several award-winning
local artists - to suit every decor and price range. Artists include Mary Lou Moll, Kathy Putnam, Barbara Schilling, Sue Gersch Supanich and myself.
The Specialty Shop inside the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion carries my greeting cards and matted prints. Many of the images available are of the same photos used throughout the building itself. The shop sells many gifts, books and inspirational items specifically for cancer patients and their families. Look for the shop on the 3rd floor next to the Cafe.
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Todd & Brad Reed Photography Join MichiganMoments
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 Exciting news! The talented father and
son photography team of Todd & Brad Reed have joined MichiganMoments.
Based in Ludington, Michigan - their award-winning
photography will leave you with a whole new impression of the lakeshore
area. Todd & Brad also offer photo workshops at their website and other items such
as books, calendars, and DVDs.
 Be sure to keep your eye out for stunning new images and
products from the Reeds - all of which can be purchased safely and securely via PayPal - right through MichiganMoments.
Images by Todd Reed
Images by Brad Reed
 A reminder - MichiganMoments currently offers beautiful images by: |
Sleeping Bear Dunes
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 I'm pleased to announce my very first photography outing / event will be held at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, October 8 - 11, 2009.
 This outing is sponsored through NANPA (the North American Nature Photographers Association). You do NOT need to be a member to join us! However, If you truly enjoy outdoor photography, a NANPA membership is well worth the investment.
In addition to giving the opening Thursday evening keynote presentation, I'll assist to lead several excursions in the National Park, alongside other experienced outdoor photographers - Kimberli Bindschatel, Robert deJonge, Steven Huyser-Honig and Jeff Rabidoux.
Weather permitting, there will be a special Friday trip - a South Manitou Island Boat excursion. The Island tour will highlight:
- Shipwreck of the Francisco Morazan
- South Manitou Island Lighthouse
- The Bluffs & Perched Dunes
- The Valley of the Giants
Other field trips include:
- Empire Bluff
- Point Betsie Lighthouse
- Port Oneida Rural Historic District
- Sleeping Bear Point-Glen Haven
Other highlights:
 The Sleeping Bear trip is designed to be a photo
tour - NOT an educational workshop. If you register for the full event, you will receive field
trips, evening programs, registration materials and Saturday dinner
(guests are welcome at extra cost). Meals (unless listed above),
lodging and transportation costs are the responsibility of the
attendee. You may also register by the day.
Register through NANPA
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Memories of May - and Joys of June
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  It's Memorial Day weekend as I write this eNews. I hope your days were as enjoyable as you had hoped. Memorial Day - (despite the literal calendar date of "first day of summer") - really seems like the kick-off to our summer celebrations.
In addition to that delicious juicy burger, round of golf, road trip or late-afternoon nap - I hope you took a moment to pause and reflect on WHY we have memorial day at all. Be sure to thank a Veteran. And you don't have to save that "Thank You" for this holiday alone. Try it the next time you meet a person who has served our country.
Happy May Birthday wishes go out to: brother-in-law Mike Kieliszewski, and friends Fred Bivins, Kelli Sloop, Kysha Frazier, Michele Lindhout, Kirt VanOveren, Barbara Melcher, Lisa Hansford, and special little buddy Bradley Bialke!
Happy May Anniversary to our neighbors - Mark & Wendy Stephens!
Happy June Birthday wishes to: our son Luke Niedzwiecki, nephew Jeff Nedwick and niece Emily Cossolini, and friends Mike Neville, Colleen Koetsier, Wendy Stephens, Jacki Easlick, Lisalynne Quinn, Laura Goos, Gail Gibbard, Marilyn Quigley, Christine Burns, Heidi Ragchaa, and Jann DeVries.
Happy June Anniversary to Dan & Laura Kistler Bialke!
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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