Departments

THINGS

FIRST PLACE

“Riverside Roost”

Joe Lukasik

Joe Lukasik took this photo while fishing the Fox River with his son in late summer along Water Street in Appleton. It was dusk and Lukasik had just packed up his fishing gear when he saw a Cormorant land in a nearby tree, aligned with the moon and some passing clouds. The judges were taken with the image’s composition. “The articulation of the branches in the bottom left being offset by the moon make it the picture-perfect shot,” said judge John Brogan. Lukasik says the image reveals the natural splendor that’s plentiful in the Fox Cities. “My youth was rich in outdoor adventures and as a transplant to this area, I feel very privileged to enjoy the beautiful waterways of the Fox River Valley with my children,” he says. “The Fox Cities provide a place where we can take a quick break from our busy lives to enjoy nature’s exquisite beauty and adventure.”

SECOND PLACE

“Winter Grow”

Jason Philipp

Under a cold, full moon in January, Jason Philipp took this image of his backyard solar greenhouse in Neenah. Judge John Brogan was captivated by the image’s story. “There’s something compelling from a narrative standpoint,” he said. Judge Jan Smith said, “The moon, clouds and purple glow give it an eerie feel.” Philipp grows produce for his family and area restaurants, despite the challenges of winters in the Fox Cities. “I think this photo shows the ingenuity, determination, strength and grit of Fox Valley residents who battle the elements and nature to follow our dreams and pursue our goals,” he says. “I feel it’s important to provide as many as I can [with] the most fresh microgreens, shoots and greens as possible, regardless of the season.”

THIRD PLACE

“Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Boardwalk”

Tim Sweet

Each October, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha hosts Creepy Crawlies, a fundraiser for their public programs and operational services. Tim Sweet took this picture at the event which he attended with three of his grandchildren. The event featured a lantern led “Creatures of the Night” hike and a haunted trail. “I took the picture using a tripod and a slow shutter speed to capture the spookiness of the glowing torches lining the boardwalk,” Sweet says. The moodiness of the image evoked a bygone era and instantly captivated the judges. “I like how the viewer is drawn into the picture,” said judge Dustin Mack. “The flames are haunting, yet somewhat inviting.” 

Panel of Judges

• John Brogan, CEO, Bank of Kaukauna
• Dustin Mack, chief curator, History Museum at the Castle
• Mary Rhode, marketing director, Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Karl Volkman, The Karl Volkman Group, First Weber Realtors
• Jan Smith, executive director, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Moderator

• Shannon Van Grinsven, owner, PeoplePaperPrints Photography

Prizes

Sincere thanks to the area businesses that have generously provided our winners with the following prizes:

GRAND PRIZE: One night stay at CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel, Appleton

FIRST PRIZES: $75 toward a stay, dinner or golf at Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center, Neenah

SECOND PRIZES: $50 toward custom framing at The Hang Up Gallery, Neenah

THIRD PRIZES: $25 gift card from Appleton Downtown Inc., Appleton

Winning photographs will be on display at The Trout Museum of Art in Appleton from August 1–31.