Naperville Photo of the Week – The Amazing Shrinking Millenium Carillon

Here’s a Naperville image I captured that proves that things are not always quite as they may seem.  There resides an excellent moral to this photo of a Riverwalk lamp post which appears to tower over the Millennium Carillon at Rotary Hill.

In life, sometimes things are not always as they appear.   As a matter of fact, many situations in life are quite different than the assumptions we draw at first glance.

I am reminded of a favorite story I once heard that reinforces this very lesson.  There was a man who was relaxing by a pool during a much needed vacation in Florida.  He turned his chair away from the pool to enhance his relaxation.  All of a sudden, he heard someone jump in the pool, leaving a big splash in their wake which sent pool water flying up onto the man.  After entering the water, there could be heard playful thrashing all around which continued to splash water upon the man.  At first, he tried to forget what was going on behind him but soon it was unbearable.  Angry from the relaxation this apparent horseplay was robbing from his vacation, he arose from his pool lounge chair and turned around to the confront the inconsiderate trouble-maker.  However, when he turned around, much to his shock he saw that the person he thought was being disrespectful was actually drowning.

A very different reality.  When it comes to Naperville, it’s important for us all to not judge the proverbial “book” by its ”cover” no more than we want those who live outside of Naperville judging us just because we live in Naperville. 

Sometimes, the slighest shift of perspective can make your world look very different.  If a difficult situation or person in life is weighing heavily on you, why not reach out and engage the problem or the individual head on to determine the actual truth.  You just might discover that the whole situation was not quite as it appeared.  It just might change your life.  SM 

PART 1: Photos of Visit to North Central College Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center

Thanks to Ted Slowik, former Naperville Sun news guru turned North Central College PR/Media Relations Director, I had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the brand new North Central College Wentz Concert Hall Fine Arts Center this evening. 

While I will be writing a more in-depth posting or two about the experience, I of course took a number of photos which I will be sharing as well. 

As the afternoon waned, I headed downtown, parked in the central parking garage and walked up the small hill toward the new arts center.  Given the timing of day and the fact we had been blessed with a sunny day here in Naperville, I captured this particular image even before stepping foot into the lobby to meet Ted.  It was amazing how the sun splashed the walls casting directional shadows and reflections. 

 Of course, to those of you who may be familiar with my photography know that a color image is a rarity, especially when it comes to architecture.  Thus, so as not to disappoint, I also have a black-and-white image to share as well.  

It was definitely the perfect time of this January day to be walking up upon the western exposure of the arts center.  In the postings still to come, I will provide a perspective of the Wentz Concert Hall and Arts Center through my own eyes as a musician and composer and why I believe you must experience a performance in this space.  

To be continued.  SM 

Naperville Photograph of the Week – Jefferson Avenue Trees

This photograph was taken near the corner of Jefferson and Main looking toward Washington.  Perhaps the most interesting feature is how it highlights the large trees which have been preserved over the years and appear to be growing out of the sidewalk.

If you were to go back in time nearly 100 years ago you would be able to take this same picture of the feature buildings, yet the streets were made of dirt and true “horsepower” served as the primary mode of transportation in Naperville.  Over the years, the architecture has been preserved as trees added as yet another unique reminder of how Downtown Naperville has been carefully preserved over time.

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, why not spend a day in downtown to take a closer look at our history.

Portraits of Downtown photography exhibit to end on July 31st

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the Portraits of Downtown photography exhibit at Art and Frame Naperville will end on July 31st. 

If you haven’t had a chance to drop by to view this unique perspective of our downtown, I hope you will have a chance to do so before the exhibit ends. 

“Portraits of Downtown” is open now through July 31st at Art and Frame Naperville (702 West Fifth Avenue, behind Naperville North High School) M-F 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM and Saturday from 9:30 – 4:00.  SM

Mystery photo #2 for Napervillians thinking about summer vacation

Alright, here is the second mystery photo from our recent vacation for you to consider.  If you think you might know where these photos were taken, write a comment to this posting (click on comment below) and give me your best guess.

I’ll give you a hint, it certainly isn’t in the desert.  SM 

Guess where this mystery photo is from

Okay Naperville, now that we have satisfied our rib-craving for another year, it’s time to think summer vacation.  Here’s a chance to test your geographical knowledge.  I took this photo during a recent trip and challenge you to guess where it is from.  In the coming days, I’ll be talking more about this summertime destination.  SM

“Portraits of Downtown” Naperville Photography Exhibit Now Open Through July 28th at Art and Frame Naperville

I’m pleased to announce that “Portraits of Downtown” is now open through July 28th at Art and Frame Naperville.  I want to thank those who braved the ominous weather and a busy summer weekend evening to drop by the opening yesterday. 

I also want to personally thanks Agatha Blaszkowska, owner of Art and Frame Napeville, for her support, encouragement and efforts in assembling this special exhibit which is truly a timeless celebration of Downtown Naperville.  I met Agatha and discovered Art and Frame Naperville while shopping around for the best framing solution for the Naperville Corporate Center photography installation.  After looking all over town, I went with Art and Frame for the strong customer-focus, quality of work and excellent pricing.  I’ve been extremely impressed with their work and would not hesitate in recommending Art and Frame Naperville whether you are looking for local artwork or a wide spectrum of framing and preservation options.  It’s clear to see how Agatha has built a loyal customer base.  Many have asked me about the exhibit, why I’m doing it and whether or not I’m a professional photographer by trade.  The answer is the exhibit has provided me a way to combine my artistic passions with my passion for Naperville to create a celebration of our community.  These photos represent the Downtown Naperville I see through my own eyes.  Engaging in opportunities like these enables me to advance my own life mission in humbly sharing my art, in its various forms, with the world.  Through art, I’ve always been able to make greater sense of the world around me and to share these perspectives with others is my personal measure of success.While the prints are available for purchase, my greatest hope is that you will drop in to take a look whether you intend to acquire anything or not.  I know Agatha would love to have the opportunity to meet you. 

If you head over to Art and Frame Naperville, it can be a little confusing to find.  Take Mill Street from either direction to Fifth Avenue, then turn West on Fifth Avenue behind Naperville North High School and drive down the long row of strip mall shops until you see the Art and Frame sign at the entrance.

Much like my love of artistic expression, my motivation for the World of Naperville, my role as the Naperville Examiner and my overall online/offline activism, my goal is to simply express my passion for our community to the rest of the world.  We live in a busy stress-filled world and I believe strongly in the lost art of “community” in all of its beauty and simplicity.  If you have a long-running passion for Naperville or merely a fleeting interest, you will always find a friend in me and the World of Naperville. 

“Portraits of Downtown” is open now through July 28th at Art and Frame Naperville (702 West Fifth Avenue, behind Naperville North High School) M-F 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM and Saturday from 9:30 – 4:00.  SM

 

    

“Portraits of Downtown” Opens Tomorrow (June 28th) – Naperville Sun Potluck Mention

A quick thanks to the Naperville Sun for posting a short piece, entitled Photo exhibit highlights Naperville architecture regarding the opening of my photogrpahy exhibit, entitled “Portraits of Downtown”.

“Portraits of Downtown” will open tomorrow evening (Saturday evening, June 28th) with a special reception from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.  I would like to personally invite each of you to join me and my family at this event to see a special collection of Downtown Naperville photograpy prints as well as an electronic presentation of my extended portfolio.

Both framed and unframed exhibited prints will be available for purchase.  In addition, you will be able to order special-sized prints and framing from my entire collection if you wish.  In a show of support to the Naperville Arts Community, 10% of all sales on June 28th will be donated to the Naperville Art League . 

Again, the exhibit opens on tomorrow evening, Saturday, June 28th, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Art and Frame Naperville, 702 West 5th Avenue just behind Naperville North High School. 

I look forward to meeting you for this celebration of our community.  SM     

Downtown Naperville Photograph of the Week – The Riverwalk

I thought the timing might be perfect to featuring the adjacent photograph given the current state of this portion of the Riverwalk, which is being rehabbed and expanded.  Based on what I’ve heard, this area will once again be open in the August timeframe.  Hopefully we be able to enjoy the Dandelion Fountain again before the end of the summer.  What would summer in Naperville be without the familiar fountain?

I’ve been receiving a terrific response regarding the upcoming “Portraits of Downtown” exhibit, which will open with a special reception on Saturday, June 28th at Art and Frame Naperville on 5th Avenue behind Naperville North High School.  I’m looking forward to meeting all of my readers and fellow Napervillians at this celebration of our community.  If you love Naperville, you won’t want to miss this event.

To learn more, click on the posting link below:

“Portraits of Downtown” Naperville Photography Exhibit to be Featured at Art and Frame Naperville

 

Positively Naperville Features “Portraits of Downtown” in June Issue as Exhibit Takes Shape

I want to thank Stephanie Pennick, the creative force behind Positively Naperville, for providing a brief feature about the June 28th “Portraits of Naperville” photography exhibit at Art and Frame Naperville. 

Given the fact my father published a similar type of newspaper for over 30 years in my hometown, I feel as though Stephanie and I are kindred spirits despite the fact we have yet to meet.  Positively Naperville is truly a local treasure for local Naperville residents.

As for the exhibit, it’s going to be a wonderful evening on June 28th as we celebrate Naperville.  I recently dropped by Art and Frame Naperville to discuss some of the final details with Agata and everything is really taking shape.  We are very excited to share this collection of photographs with the community.  If you are interested in learning more about the exhibit, check out the Positively Naperville links below or scroll down to review prior postings about “Portraits of Downtown”.

Brief piece about “Portraits of Downtown” (pg 13) - http://www.pnmonthly.com/downloads/PN_June_08.pdf

“Portraits of Downtown” one-page:  http://www.pnmonthly.com/coupons.html