Departments

THINGS

FIRST PLACE

“Nature in Black and White” 

Kacie Mischler Bass, Oshkosh

This plant photo was taken on May 23 in the backyard of photographer Kacie Mischler Bass as part of a photo-a-day project she had started January 1. Throughout the winter, Mischler Bass looked forward to spring and the photographic freedom warm weather and longer days would bring, not taking into account the pandemic that would soon erupt. “The pandemic really changed that expectation, and it’s definitely been pushing my creative limits,” she says. “Despite the unprecedented time we’re living in, there are still pockets of beauty to be found and reasons to be happy. I’ve definitely been appreciating my own home and yard more than ever.” Mischler Bass chose to edit this photo in black and white to give it an ethereal quality, which the judges appreciated. Smith liked the texture of the image as well as the perspective it holds. “If you think of it as people finding identity and beauty around them in a sense of place, it seems like a nicely defined vision for the Fox Cities,” she says. “Those little microcosms are fascinating.”

SECOND PLACE

“Kit Love”

Chris Appleby, Menasha 

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha is a favorite of local photographers and for good reason – every once in a while it’s possible to capture images such as this one taken by Chris Appleby in May 2019. “It was early in the morning and I had heard that there were a few fox kits that were at Heckrodt, so I decided to go and roam around and periodically stop by their den,” Appleby says. “After awhile they came out and put on quite the show. It was an amazing experience to witness.” The judges were captivated by the ethereal quality of the image and the rare scene it depicts. “Their interactions with each other seem somehow human,” Mack said. “You see these things in a movie or cartoon, but the fact that it’s real life going on as our busy world is happening is really interesting.” 

THIRD PLACE

“Tools of the Trade”

Bob Damon, Appleton

In 2012, a house on the southeast corner of Appleton’s Durkee and North Streets, owned by First English Lutheran Church, was scheduled for demolition. Before the demolition took place, the Appleton Fire Department was offered the opportunity to use the structure for training. While observing the training activities, photographer Bob Damon noticed this hat hanging on a fence post, begging to have its picture taken. Volkman appreciated the image’s bold colors and use of perspective with the fire truck blurred in the background. Additionally, the judges agreed that the structure of the helmet and truck brought dynamism to the photo. “Appleton Fire/Rescue is here to serve and protect our entire community,” Damon says. “They not only work here, they live, play, shop and train here. This image is in recognition of all those who serve our community.” 

Panel of Judges

• John Brogan, CEO, Bank of Kaukauna
• Dustin Mack, chief curator, History Museum at the Castle
• Beth Knapinski, marketing communications 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, downtown Appleton

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

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

THIRD PRIZES: $25 gift card from Wildbird & Backyard in Appleton