Departments

PEOPLE

FIRST PLACE

“Oneida Powwow” 

Chuck Eder

Each year, Native American dancers from around the country gather at the Oneida Powwow to compete in dance competitions. In addition to dancing, the family event offers Native American food, crafts and exhibitions. At last year’s powwow, Appleton resident Chuck Eder took this image of dancers in competition. Eder, who prefers capturing candid action shots, says the expressions of the dancers as well as the colorful headdresses demanded to be photographed. For judge Dustin Mack, the somewhat chaotic appearance of the image ended up being what won him over. “I like the cluttered aspect and shadows in the image,” he says. “It shows action and movement.” 

SECOND PLACE

“A Girl Among the Flowers”

David Helvering

Last August, David Helvering took this photo of a vendor at the Appleton Downtown Farm Market using an old Yashica Mat 124 film camera. Helvering says his subject’s “Mona Lisa-esque expression” encapsulates the farm market’s overall vibe. “In the summer, it serves as a hub of city life, a place where the community comes together to shop, share, visit, play and entertain,” he says. “It is a place where everyone is welcome, and I think nowhere can one find a better representation of that than in the expression of this young girl.” The judges were intrigued by the photographer’s choice to shoot the colorful street scene in black and white. “Choosing black and white for the image makes it about the subject,” noted moderator Shannon Van Grinsven.

THIRD PLACE

“Sunsets and Sisters”

Colleen Andrasko

During an after-dinner sunset cruise on Lake Butte des Morts, Colleen Andrasko captured this image of her daughters Anna, Eve and Elizabeth. Judge Mary Rhode said the image screamed simplicity. “It’s kids outdoors in their own world without screens,” she said. “It reminds me of who we are as a community.” Andrasko says being on the water is a way of life in the Fox Cities – whether you are boating, fishing, skiing or watching sunsets with your kids. “It’s in our DNA,” she says. “Our children are very fortunate to grow up on the water. I hope they develop a great appreciation of our natural resources and help take care of them so everyone can enjoy a sunset.”