by Barbara Dixson
This past Friday, January 20, the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve celebrated the winning photographs, art, and writing entries from the 2022 Writing, Photography, and Art Contest. In our Zoom gathering, we got to see the gorgeous images and hear from the photographers and artists what led to each piece. We also saw the opening of a 24-page poem and learned about the extended writing process which nurtured its creation. You’ll find winners’ names and categories at the bottom of this post.
The contest drew 33 outstanding entries this year. Each submission included an explanation of what in the artist’s experience of the Reserve inspired the piece. The love of Schmeeckle and the outdoors, the immense role the Reserve has played in the lives of members of our community, and the sheer joy of being in Schmeeckle Reserve all come through these commentaries.
To see these images and words online, go to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve website at https://friendsofschmeeckle.org/arts-contest/.
To see them in person, check out the storefront of the Portage County Public Library any day in April 2023!
9th Annual Friends of Schmeeckle Writing, Photography, and Art Contest Winners
Artwork (Adult Level): First place, Tim Swiecki; second place, Kristin Cherney.
Artwork (Grades 7-12 Level): First place, Tessa Bruckhart.
Photography (Landscape – Beginner Level): First place, Carter Herheim; second place, Claire Cashin; third place, Autumn Magolski.
Photography (Landscape – Intermediate/Advanced Level): First place, Michael Kozlowski; second place, Thomas Mortenson; third place, Jessica Tomaszewski.
Photography (Wildlife – Beginner Level): First place, Elena Schneiderman; second place, Logan Egle; third place, Rachel Henneman.
Photography (Wildlife – Intermediate/Advanced Level): First place, Steve Faber; second place, Megan Strom.
Photography (Other – Beginner Level): First place, Carsten Mueller; second place, Josie Rebholz.
Photography (Other – Intermediate/Advanced Level): First place, Scott Adamski.
Writing (Grade 12 and Younger): First place, Claudia Bluma.