Accelerating Arctic Melt Worries Experts

ACIA / AP
The rate of ice melting doubled between 1996 and 2005.
This graphic shows seasonal melting on Greenland
in 1992 (left) and 2002 (right).

I have no answers for what can be done to stop such widespread problems going on with our planet. I'm not going to argue all the finer points about this very sensitive and politically-charged issue.

However - EVERYONE should at least read this article about accelerating ice melt.

Educate yourself. At least stop and consider the implications of what is going to happen to our world as we know it. Or at least, what the future may hold for our own children...

Be concerned. Be very concerned...

Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church Gallery Show

My work will be featured throughout the months of December 2007 and January 2008 at Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church, located at 227 East Fulton Street in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The show will hang from Wednesday, December 12, 2007 through Friday, January 18, 2008. The FUMC Gallery is open:

• Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm
• Friday: 9am-4pm
• Saturday: not open to the public
• Sunday: 9am-Noon
  

First Church considers art a form of praise and worship and regularly rotates exhibitions of artists. For more information about First Church, the Art Gallery and hours - please call 616-451-2879 or visit www.grandrapidsfumc.org.

Here are other links mentioning my show:

• Eventful
  
• GRNow.org
• Grand Rapids / Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Northeast Advance newspaper
  

Show at Bishop Hills

I am pleased to announce a quick holiday art show has been arranged at Bishop Hills Elder Care Community in Rockford, Michigan.

An unexpected change of art show schedules made the wall space available on very short notice. After many phone calls and emails - and within a day - four other wonderful local artists have their work alongside my images. The artwork will be enjoyed through January 4th, 2008.

The residents of Bishop Hills will vote on their favorite piece from the show, and will award prizes to be given at a small reception in the artists' honor. The reception will be held on Thursday, December 27th at 4:30 pm. at Bishop Hills, located at 4951 11 Mile Road, Rockford, Michigan.

Come enjoy the work of:

• Mary Lou Moll - Watercolor
  Ada, Michigan artist Mary Lou Moll has done commission watercolors exclusively for both private and corporate clients. She also paints scenes of the Great Lakes, pets and family homes. Mary Lou has developed her own special technique in watercolor - her works are very realistic with detail being her forte.
  

• Joanne Peltz - Mixed media & water-soluble oils
  Joanne Peltz is a visionary artist whose contribution to her world has been to reflect it, to distill its essence, to visualize its seasons, moods, people and peculiarities. In her own way, she has expressed her vision of the world, her idea of the purpose of art and her belief of art's value.
  
  
  

• Kathy Putnam - Oil & pastel
  (starting Dec. 7)
  Kathleen Putnam is an artist who works in the Realistic Style of art and whose medium is oil and pastel. She mainly does landscapes, but enjoys doing portraits also. Kathleen is represented by Treeline Gallery in Suttons Bay, MI, The Nines Gallery in Holland, MI, and The Ann Arbor Art Center in Ann Arbor, MI.
  
  
• Barbara Schilling - Oil
  (starting Dec. 7)
  Barbara Schilling believes that creating art is an ever-evolving event. With each painting, something new is discovered. Sometimes the process seems too slow, and even frustrating. Sometimes the process is joyous and fulfilling. Barbara thinks it's necessary to just keep moving along where the process leads you.
  

• Stacy Niedzwiecki - Photography
  (from December 1 - 7)
  Stacy's fascination with nature has found its way through the camera lens, encouraging the viewer to appreciate the quiet, beautiful moments around the state of Michigan. The pieces will move to the First United Methodist Church Gallery in downtown Grand Rapids, where they will hang from December 12 until January 18, 2008.
  

I wish to thank Susan Bodenner, Administrator of Bishop Hills Elder Care Community, for this special opportunity to enrich the lives of their residents and local community.

The First Snow

A shot of our growing puppy Buster - enjoying his first real snow! The wind and cold didn't seem to be a problem for him at all. Being partially American Eskimo breed, Buster looked like he felt right at home.

I have done quiet a bit of pet portrait photography, and truly enjoy it! If you'd like to have your dog, cat, horse or even your favorite iguana photographed, feel free to contact me.

Here's just a sampling of what I can create for you:

Photo of the Day

The Winds of November image posted below was awarded the MyParkPhotos.com Photo of the Day award for November 28, 2007. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback on my image!

Winds of November

I headed out to Grand Haven at lunch hour today...wondering if it might be a good time for a quick dip in the lake...

GUESS NOT! (click on the image to enlarge...)

The winds were a steady 40 mph, with gusts to 54 mph+. Some areas along the lake had gusts up to almost 60 mph.

It's amazing how much power the waves gain simply by wind blowing. I had sand in my eyes, ears, hair and in my coat pockets! Since it was only about 30 degrees, the wind chill generated by these blasts kept me alternating between taking photos - and running back to the car so I could stick my fingers up into the heater vents!

There were a handful of "smart" folks watching the scene from the comfort of their parked cars. The only people crazy enough to be OUT of their vehicles were a handful of photographers like myself. We were all shivering and commented on how the conditions were pretty tough to endure. Still - it was a real rush to watch the waves pound against the pier - even if it meant freezing a finger or two...

Goodbye to a Great Guy...

I want to take a moment to remember my dear friend Wayne Elvey, who passed away yesterday (Thanksgiving evening).

I'm really going to miss his sense of humor, his wit and his amazing mental library of songs and music. I really hope someone took some time to record some of Wayne's performances and music - he was a walking encyclopedia of interesting ditties and long-forgotten tunes.

According to a email message I received from his family:

Earlier this evening, on this special Thanksgiving Day, we said goodbye to my father. As many of you know, he was fighting a very tough battle with cancer, and his health declined rapidly over the last three weeks. Today, at my parents' home, we moved the TV into the living room next to his hospital bed. The Hospice nurse told us that even though the end was near, the last thing to go is the hearing. Though he was unable to speak, his eyes closed, and his breathing troubled, his ears were soon filled with the traditional Thanksgiving sounds of his grandchildren playing and laughing, his wife and daughters-in-law conversing, and his sons yelling at and booing the Lions. His treasured family was in his presence as he departed, and he is now free of suffering. We'd like to thank all of you for your support, and the many thoughts and prayers you've provided.

Wayne - I'm very sad to think you won't be at Evart next year - the Westphalia Waltz will never again sound quite the same without your dulcimer playing alongside. But I'm glad you're at peace. Keep on singin' and playin'!

Stacy Niedzwiecki and Wayne Elvey - April 2006

Just Having Some Fun with the Boys!

I had a little photography fun this afternoon with my two little guys. Click on the image to see it full size!

11x14 Print Offered at Online Charity Auction

I donated a framed 11x14 "Smile!" print to the Michigan Dental Foundation online auction.

The Michigan Dental Foundation uses charitable efforts aimed at providing the people of Michigan access to care programs, oral health initiatives and dental scholarships.

This happy elk surely will bring a smile to someone's den or office!

The online auction ended on Saturday, November 17, . Thanks for looking!

Hearts & Holly Bazaar

Come join the fun at Our Lady of Consolation's 33rd annual Hearts & Holly holiday bazaar! The event runs from 8 am until 3 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2007.

The show will feature:

• Premier local artists
  
• Unique hand-crafted gifts and home decor
• Their FAMOUS homemade holiday cookie booth
• Fresh poinsettias, wreaths and holiday decorations
• A silent auction and a BIG raffle with a $500 shopping spree as a grand prize
• Menu of homemade refreshments and baked goods
• Kids' carnival area at the next-door Kateri Lodge! Drop off the kids (ages 3 years and up) while you shop!

Stop by my booth and browse through the framed prints, matted prints, boxed card sets, photo greeting cards. You may also order your new 2008 Michigan Moments calendars (available both in wall and desk size this year!).

Map to Our Lady of Consolation Church