“Beyond the Water’s Edge” Exhibition Opening Reception Offers Conversations with Winning Photographers and Poets
October 23, 2013
Sue Jones (608-224-3764), Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission
Pam Andros (608-266-5915), Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission
Land & Water Resources
(Madison, WI) The opening reception for the Beyond Water’s Edge photography and poetry exhibition offers the opportunity to talk with more than 50 local photographers and several local poets whose creative talents were tapped in the contest celebrating 25 years of service from the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission.
The opening reception for Beyond Water’s Edge will be held on Saturday, November 2, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The program will begin at 2 p.m., and the poetry reading will begin at 2:30 p.m. Goodman South Madison Branch of the Madison Public Library is located at 2222 S. Park Street in Madison.
Winning photographs and accompanying poetry from “Beyond the Water’s Edge,” a creative investigation of Dane County lakes, rivers and wetlands, will be exhibited during the months of November and December at the Goodman South Madison Branch of the Madison Public Library.
Lakes and Watershed Commission Vice Chair and Steering Committee member Rebecca Power said “The contest asked photographers to consider to 25 special water places in Dane County. The Lakes and Watershed Commission is unique in its unifying voice for Dane County water stewardship. The photographers and poets engaged in this contest have expressed the reason for 25 years of work in such a compelling way. It’s definitely worth seeing!” Winning photos feature several of these beloved places, including the Wisconsin River, Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wingra, Pheasant Branch Creek, Stricker’s Pond, and Fish Lake.
Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission member Kelly Parks Snider also served on the Steering Committee, and said, “Using words and photography, “Beyond the Water’s Edge” will allow us focus on the beauty that surrounds us, unlocking perspectives and opening our eyes and minds to new ways of appreciating this world.”
During the program, first, second and third place winners in each of five categories will be announced, as well as the grand prize of the exhibition. The categories are beauty and (re-)vision, recreation and tourism, caring for our waters, troubled waters, and water and daily life. Program speakers will include Dane County Board Chair John Hendrick, and Melissa Malott representing Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.
The Lakes and Watershed Commission and Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission will rotate the exhibition around the county in 2014.
Contest Honorary Co-Chairs -- County Executive Joe Parisi, County Board Chair John Hendrick, former Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission Chair Melissa Malott, Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission Chair George Gonzalez.
Contest Sponsors and Steering Committee Representatives – Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission (Rebecca Power and Sue Jones), Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission (Kelly Parks Snider and Pam Andros), Center for Photography at Madison (Bill Pielsticker), and Verse Wisconsin (Sarah Busse and Wendy Vardaman).
Photography Jurors – Bill Pielsticker (President, Center for Photography at Madison) and Pat Dillon (accomplished artist and author)
Poetry Curators– Wendy Vardaman and Sarah Busse, Madison Poets Laureate
About the Lakes and Watershed Commission– A coordinating and advisory agency within Dane County government, the Commission's charge is to protect and improve water quality, as well as the scenic, economic, recreational, and environmental value of Dane County's water resources. Learn more about the Commission’s work at www.danewaters.com.
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