Over 785,250 visitors experienced art, culture and nature at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the last year, marking the highest annual attendance in the organization’s near 30-year history.
Meijer Gardens announced record-breaking attendance for its 2024 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, solidifying its place as one of Michigan’s most-visited cultural destinations and one of the country’s most visited art museums.
An exceptional year
This milestone is in addition to Meijer Gardens welcoming its 15 millionth visitor in April 2024, and being ranked the 90th most popular art museum in the world and 15th in the country by attendance, according to The Art Newspaper’s March 2024 Visitor Figures 2023 Analysis.
2024 marked the highest annual attendance in Meijer Garden’s near 30-year history (Courtesy, FMG)
A key factor contributing to this blockbuster year was its continued recognition as one of the top destinations in the country. Meijer Gardens was named Best Sculpture Parkin the United States for a second straight year (2024, 2023) by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, underscoring its status as a must-visit cultural landmark and an internationally acclaimed destination.
Other contributing factors include the popular Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition in March and April, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens concert series, and the loan of a rare blooming corpse flower from Grand Valley State University in June.
Meijer Gardens summer concert series are a popular annual event (Courtesy, Michael Moran)
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our members, guests, and community partners who have made this significant achievement possible,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
“As we prepare for our 30th year, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that inspire and engage all who walk through our doors.”
30th anniversary highlights
Kicking off the organization’s 30th anniversary, Meijer Gardens will debut ENLIGHTEN, a new outdoor holiday light spectacle running on select dates Nov. 27 to Jan. 4.
Created in collaboration with the teams at Lightswitch and Upstaging known for producing immersive events and shows for major attractions worldwide and for Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning artists, ENLIGHTEN promises to delight audiences of all ages.
This immersive, one-mile outdoor experience fuses art, light, and nature – showcasing masterpieces by artists including Henry Moore, Alexander Leiberman, Roxy Paine and Ai Weiwei highlighted by cutting-edge light installations, synchronized music and interactive elements. The experience continues indoors with the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, celebrating global cultures and holiday customs.
ENLIGHTEN tickets are now on sale! (Courtesy, Frederik Meijer Gardens)
With timed tickets now on sale, ENLIGHTEN will offer an unforgettable holiday experience, blending festive holiday fun with the beauty of Meijer Gardens.
The 30th anniversary will be commemorated with other special programs and events throughout 2025 to be announced at a later date.
New board members
Meijer Gardens also announced the appointment of eight new members to its Board of Directors:
Rosalyn Bliss – Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Nicole Dandridge – CEO, VA Enterprises
Terri Gaskey – SVP of Family & Talent Services, RDV Corporation
Mark Gurney – Founding Chair/CEO, Tetra Therapeutics (retired)
Joe Jones – President/CEO, The Hekima Group
Randy Thelen – President/CEO, The Right Place
Al Vandenberg – County Administrator/Controller, Kent County
Richard Winn – President, AHC Hospitality
Find out more!
For more information and a full listing of upcoming events, including details on the new ENLIGHTEN experience, visit MeijerGardens.org.
More than 1,150 writers across Michigan entered the 12th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest that began accepting submissions in September 2023. Among the entrants were 441 adults, 461 teens and 260 youth.
Write Michigan’s annual short story contest provides a chance for all ages to be published (Courtesy, KDL)
Winners were chosen by public voting for the $250 Readers’ Choice award, and by a panel of judges for the $500 Judges’ Choice and $250 Judges’ Choice Runner-up awards.
Write Michigan winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on March 23. The ceremony will feature a keynote address from author Gary D. Schmidt.
WKTV Journal recently caught up with a few of the entrants for an inside look at the winning stories and the inspiration behind them.
Unique perspectives are a hallmark of Koroglu’s writing (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A Long-Forgotten Memory: Told from the perspective of an old tree named Maple, the story is about the relationship between the tree and Amber, the new owner of the house where Maple lives. During the story, Maple and Amber uncover their forgotten past together and learn to appreciate themselves in new ways.
Eleven-year-old Leyla Koroglu entered the Write Michigan contest after seeing an advertisement at her local library.
“It inspired me to write a new story,” said Koroglu. “I like to write stories from unique perspectives.
“I wanted to explore the perspective of a tree in A Long-Forgotten Memory because trees can grow so old and experience so much, but they can never move. I also wanted to think about what kinds of feelings a tree might have.”
Koroglu has been writing pieces of stories she made up since she was very young.
“I like creating stories that have meaningful messages behind them,” said Koroglu. “A Long-Forgotten Memory shows that even if you feel helpless, you can still be very special to someone else.”
Winning the Judges’ Choice Award meant a lot to Koroglu because she didn’t expect to win. The young writer is excited to write another story for next year’s contest.
Teen Judges’ Choice Winner – Sonja de Wilde (Grand Rapids, MI)
A House with a Garden: “Werewolf of London” meets “Southern Gothic.” Two characters in a backwoods mining town have a dream to live a more peaceful life, but their personal demons get in the way. Though they love each other, it is not enough, and they end up succumbing to their environment.
All you need is…more than love (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Sixteen-year-old Sonja de Wilde entered the Write Michigan contest for fun when she found out a friend was also participating.
“I never actually expected to win,” said de Wilde. “It was just something fun to work on together. We read each other’s stories while we were writing them, and talked about our ideas and writing.”
De Wilde said she has been writing stories since she can remember, but had difficulty finishing them until recently.
“I’ve always had a difficult time following through on any one idea,” said de Wilde. “Perhaps because it’s too daunting at the moment, or I come up with another one that I think is better.
“One day I hope to write a novel or two, but I have a lot of work to do before I get there, I think.”
A House with a Garden was inspired by a modern Southern Gothic novel de Wilde read over the past summer.
Write Michigan has helped de Wilde see a writing project through to the end (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“That book had an enormous impact on me,” said de Wilde. “I still think about it almost every single day.”
The teen writer also finds inspiration in music, and she often writes while listening to specific playlists. De Wilde also writes music, and is working on a Southern Gothic-inspired album.
“The album’s story is very similar to this [story],” said de Wilde. “I’d say A House With A Garden encapsulates the third act of the album.”
De Wilde said she will never forget the moment she realized she had won the Judges’ Choice award.
“I was in my room, finishing homework, and I looked up and my inbox said (1). I opened the email, and I just remember a flood of shock and amazement,” said de Wilde. “I ran downstairs and told my mom right away, and we were both screaming and jumping around in the kitchen.”
“It really was such an incredible moment,” de Wilde continued. “I entered for fun, and all of a sudden the judges think my writing, my little story, deserves the top award in my category.
“I am just so proud of myself, and so grateful for the people around me who encourage me every day to know my worth, and the worth of my work.”
Gambler’s Rest: After his wife’s death during a poker game, a grieving card sharp finds his way to Gambler’s Rest—a dismal afterlife where the dead gamble for memories. To bring her back, he must play the highest-stakes card game of his life.
Ghouls and gambling – a high-stakes story (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Joshua Boers entered the Write Michigan contest after his cousin suggested they both submit stories.
“I find it so much easier to finish a story when I’m accountable to someone and I have a deadline, so this was a great arrangement for me,” said Boers.
Inspired by a They Might Be Giants rock band song about ghouls, Gambler’s Rest came to fruition after several weeks of planning.
“I spent a few months working and reworking the outline—trying to find the characters, tone, and plot,” said Boers. “I eventually took some inspiration from the poem Sir Orfeo, a medieval retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth where a king must rescue his wife from a fairy court.
Some stories take research and planning (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“After that, I just had to learn how to play poker, and then the writing could begin in earnest.”
Having written several poems and stories when he was younger, Boers picked up the hobby again in earnest after taking a creative writing class at Calvin University.
“[Writing] can be a slow process, but it’s exciting when you feel like you’re on the trail of something interesting,” said Boers.
That “something interesting” won Boers the Judges’ Choice award.
“It was a surprise,” said Boers. “I knew I’d be up against hundreds of people, so I didn’t expect to be selected as a semifinalist or to win the Judges’ Choice award.
“It makes me more excited and more confident as I move on to new writing projects.”
Published Finalist – Margaret VanHaften (Frankfort, MI)
Gristle, Witch Hazel, and the Kickball: Lizzy, a nine year-old in the 1950’s, wants to be part of the neighborhood kickball team. She thinks her birthday gift, a real kickball, will be the key to entry. But, Gristle, the neighborhood bully, gets the ball from her and kicks it into Witch Hazel’s yard. Witch Hazel is said to mush-up children who come into her yard and put them into her banana-nut bread, a definite deterrent to kids retrieving lost balls.
Lizzy, embarrassed, intimidated and angry, has to figure out how to handle her problem. She learns how to discern what people tell her and handle challenges.
VanHaften’s submission carries a message about overcoming adversity (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Though Margaret VanHaften has loved writing fiction since the 1950s and has an avid imagination, most of her school and career experiences required technical writing.
“Now I have time to write the fiction I love,” said VanHaften.
However, VanHaften admitted that she rarely sends her writing out for publication.
“Write Michigan is a safe way to start,” said VanHaften. “I like the way the scoring grid clarifies what the judges are looking for – I use it regularly now.”
Lizzy’s story came to VanHaften as many of them do – as soon as her head hits the pillow at night. A process that, though it does not help her sleep, helps her write.
“I don’t know where the stories come from, but I’m glad they arrive,” said VanHaften.
Upon learning she was a Published Finalist, VanHaften said she was surprised, but grateful her story resonated with readers.
“That is my goal, to connect to readers in a meaningful way.”
Link to full list of winners – and more!
To see a full list of Write Michigan 2024 winners, click here.
To learn about other Write Michigan events, click here.
Learn more about KDL opportunities and events for the community by visiting their website.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Mixing and mingling at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards Dinner. (WKTV)
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Valerie Cook (WKTV)
From left, Kentwood Commissioner Betsy Artz with Kentwood City Tresurer Laurie Sheldon (WKTV)
From left, Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, Summer Vasquez, incoming Board Chair Valerie Cook, and outgoing Board Chair Tony Marino (WKTV)
RoMan Manufacturing members take a few minutes in front of the photo screen. (WKTV)
The Santa Clause Parade Committee which was honored at the awards banquet. (WKTV)
Chamber members at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards. (WKTV)
From left, Wyoming Councilor Renee Hill, Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarger, and Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan. (WKTV)
Bob O’Callaghan talks to WGVU’s Shelley Irwin (WKTV)
Marge Wilson (center) (WKTV)
It was an evening of fun and fellowship at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Award Dinner, which was Jan. 27 at Kentwood’s Viewpond Banquet Hall.
Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan noted it has been a year of change as he took over the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce in the beginning of January 2022. New programs, such as the BIPOC committee, have been formed, along with the Chamber continuing to build relationships and connections. This has included an expanded footprint for the annual Metro Cruise which now has stages at both Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
At the banquet, Morgan pointed out that it was another night of celebrating change as Board Chair Tony Marino was stepping down with Valerie Cook having been named the new board chair.
Hosted by WGVU’s Shelley Irwin, the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recognizes three chamber businesses along with presenting the volunteer of the year, distinguish service, and committee of the year awards.
Manufacturer of the Year
RoMan Manufacturing
861 47th St. SW, Wyoming
Started in 1980, RoMan Manufacturing is a producer of water coolant transformers for the resistant welding business and has sine expanded into other markets. The company made Wyoming its home because of “convenience.” According to Chief operating Officer Nelson Sanchez, many of the employees who started with the company lived in Wyoming and it was close to the highway.
Service Business of the Year
University of Michigan Health-West Main campus: 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming
University of Michigan Health-West is a progressive, innovative hospital system in Wyoming, serving all of the West Michigan with about 30 sties in four counties. University of Michigan Health-West was founding in 1942 by a group of physicians. Seeing the potential growth in the the southern area of Kent County, the main hospital was moved to the Wyoming area in 2007.
Retail Business of the Year
B2 Outlet Stores Various locations 962A 28th St. SW, Wyoming 350 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
B2 Outlet stores started with a father and son duo, Duane and Matt Smith, who were purchasing liquidation items for an online auction. The pair opened a store in Hudsonville in 2015 and from there the retail business grew to 21 stories including 1 in Illinois and 1 in California. B2 stands for benefit twice: the first benefit is for the customer who receives the great values and the second benefit is to the various local nonprofits that B2 has supported.
Other Award Recipients
Rich Wadsworth received the Distinguished Service Award. (WKTV)Amanda Villa receives the Volunteer of the Year Award. (WKTV)Jerry Good accepts the Committee of the Year Award on behalf of the Chamber’s Santa Claus parade. (WKTV)
The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award was given to Rich Wadsworth, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Wyoming. Wadsworth was recognized for his years of service on the Chamber board, most recently serving as the executive vice chair for community relations. He has been the lead mentor volunteer for the last few Metro Cruise events and has helped to grow the footprint of the event.
The Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award went to Amanda Villa, from The Source. Villa found the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce through the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. When the Young Professionals group needed a committee role to be filled, she volunteered. She shared the information she had learned from the Chamber with her employer, who also became a Chamber member.
The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year was the Chamber’s Santa Parade Committee, with committee member Jerry DeGood accepting the award on the committee’s behalf. The committee was recognized for its dedication in hosting the annual event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to high winds. The committee honored all 2021 sponsorships and was able to raise additional funding to help with other costs. The committee also smashed its goal of 45 participants by having more than 60 in the 2022 parade.
For more about the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, visit its website southkent.org.
Using GPS tracking on phones to recover stolen merchandise and vehicles. Pulling trace evidence from the inside of a driver door’s handle to identify a suspect. Risking their lives by entering into the flood waters of Buck Creek to save a civilian. Making sure a vulnerable resident has a safe place to stay at a local hotel.
These were the stories – the ones often not told – that were shared at the annual Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony last week as the department recognized about 80 officers and civilians for their actions in crime prevention, recovery, and rescue.
Office Brady Heckman was named the 2021 Office of the Year. (WKTV)
“In light of all the events that have taken place over the past few years that have impacted not only our profession but our personal lives, I think it is more important than ever that we celebrate each other,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster. “It is imperative that we acknowledge all of the accomplishments of our fellow police officers and firefighters. We can not let the stories of our compassionate service and heroic actions go untold. The work we do matters and it does make a difference.”
An officer whose work certainly has made a difference is that of Officer Brady Heckman. A five-year veteran on the force, Heckman received a number of accolades, including a certificate of merit and individual commendation for his work in locating illegally possessed firearms, taking violent criminals off the streets, and his care for victims. For his dedication, Heckman, who is a field training officer, a tackle bike team member, and operator on the tack team, was named the 2021 Officer of the Year, which is chosen by a panel of sworn officers.
“Heckman has earned a reputation as an outstanding police professional with a keen ability for catching criminals and a heart for serving this community,” said Capt. Timothy Pols who with Fire Deputy Chief Dennis Vantassell served as master of ceremonies. “He is valued by co-workers and supervisors alike as a consistent teamplayer. He is an outstanding representative of the law enforcement profession in general and the Wyoming Police Department in particular.”
From his peers, it was noted that Heckman “makes being proactive a priority and sets an example for young officers to do the same,” as well as for his work in locating stolen vehicles, seeking out criminals and making arrests, and volunteering to help new recruits.
Celia Rhodes was named the 2021 Civilian of the Year. (WKTV)
The department’s civilian employees also form a panel to select a civilian of the year, which for 2021 is Celia Rhodes. Rhodes, who has served as a forensic science technician with the department for four and half years, has become an expert in evidence storage and operating the BEAST (Bar Coded Evidence Analysis Statistical Tracking) evidence management system.
“Celia is well known and respected for her upbeat attitude and true passion for helping others in need,” Pols said. “No matter what she is working on, Celia never turns away from aiding someone else, whether it be explaining policy or procedure to a fellow employee or talking to a citizen about their case. She always does so with a smile and genuine care for whomever she is working with.”
Another officer recognized for his investigation work on child sexual abuse was Det. Dan Vlietstra, who received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence. For the past two years, Viletstra has been the department’s liaison with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, where he works with a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the investigation of abuse allegations.
“Through his work, Dan has been able to stop the abuse, identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and support the victim and their family on a path of recovery and healing,” Koster said.
Also receiving the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence were Fire Inspector Brad Dornbos, Lt. Chris Velzen, Equipment Operator (EO) Brandon Travis, and firefighter (FF) Matt Frazee, for their work in recruiting, interviewing and training new firefighters.
Also honored was Mayor Jack Poll, who received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his dedication to the Public Safety Department during the past 13 years he has served as the city’s mayor. Poll will retire from public service at the end of this year.
“I have lived in Wyoming now for 67 years and I can tell you that I have never gone to bed at night that I was concerned about my safety because we have such stellar leaders in our community,” Poll said.
Police officers receiving the individual commendation award. (WKTV)
Koster said what was presented at the recognition ceremony is only the tip of the iceberg as to what officers and firefighters have done.
“There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me a story about a way a police officer or a firefighter has served them in a capacity that amazed them,” Koster said. “There are a lot of stories that officers don’t tell about what police officers do and firefighters who go above and beyond.”
Award Recipients
Life Saving Award
Ofc. Tony Jacob
Ofc. Russ Kamstra
Lt. Chris Velzen
EO Bradley Bennett
EO Brian Ilbrink
EO Tom Marsman
FF Ken Eppink
FF Matt Frazee
FF Jason Hanlon
FF Andrew Johnson
FF Michele Kelly
FF Jesse May
FF Alex Parsons
FF Dan Rettig
FF Jason Richardson
FF Dan Royce
Police officers and community members being recognized during the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony. (WKTV)
Recently, the United Veterans Council of Kent County expanded its annual awards from one to three.
The organization will continue with its Veteran of the Year Award but has also added two new awards, Association Member of the Year and Raising Up Veterans, which is a non-veteran award.The Council is seeking nominations for these awards with the deadline being Sept. 14.
The purpose for the expansion, according to Harold Mast, who is serving as the UVCKC spokesperson for the awards, is to recognize and show appreciation for what veterans have done and are now doing outside of the service to their country.
“I think it is a very important thing for our community to recognize veterans,” Mast said. “Particularly today and in the past couple of weeks or last several weeks, recognizing what the military has done, what the military is going through and how much our citizens rely on the military for.”
The Veteran of the Year Award is presented to a veteran who is dedicated to helping veterans and goes beyond what is expected. It is not what the veteran did during their service but rather what they have done after that service. Mast said, who used the the 2019 award recipient as an example. Bob Green, a veteran living in Kentwood, has done a lot for AMVETS and has been instrumental in recognizing veterans, especially those in nursing homes, through pinning ceremonies.
The new Association Member of the Year Award is similar to the Veteran of the Year, but focuses on the Council’s associate group’s such as veteran organizations’ auxiliary groups. The Raising Up Veterans is for those non-veteran residents who help with programs and other veteran-related activities.
Mast said the Council puts out a call for nominees and then the member veteran organizations of the UVCKC nominate candidates who are then blind judge by a panel. The recipient of the award is announced at the Council’s Oct. 23 banquet.
All nominees must be a resident of Kent County and need to be nominated by a Council member organization. Mast said many of the council organizations are willing to work with any resident interested in nominating someone for an award. To nominate a person, Mast said he recommends residents visit the UVCKC website, www.UVCKC.org, where the nomination forms are available along with a list of member organizations. Residents may also contact Mast at hamast@comcst.net.
TheUnited Veterans Council has been serving Kent County for more than 70 years by hosting such events as the Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades, supporting Gold Star mothers, and erecting and maintaining the monuments in Veterans Park. The Council is formed from groups such s the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Order of the Purple Heart, and DAV, just to name a few.
Six members from the Grand Rapids Public Museum were recently recognized for their efforts to help clean two museums in Midland, Michigan, after a flood in the community. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that six members of the Museum’s staff have received the “Clean Up Warriors Award” from the Michigan Museums Association (MMA). The individuals are being recognized for their efforts in assisting with the cleanup at the Midland Area Historical Societyand the Sandford Centennial Museum this spring after two dams failed the Midland area, causing the museums to flood.
Those being recognized include:
Stevie Hornyak, GRPM Exhibits Specialist
Sarah Humes, GRPM Associate Registrar
Kelsey Laymon, GRPM Curatorial Assistant
Monica Taylor, GRPM Curatorial Assistant and Photographer
Jake Van Wyk, GRPM Collections Technician
Holly Waldenmeyer, GRPM Registrar and Collections Manager
“Congratulations to the team members of the GRPM staff for receiving this recognition for their efforts,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the GRPM. “This work, all voluntary, was done under very difficult circumstances, in the midst of a pandemic. Their dedication to our community, state and museums does not go unnoticed.”
“It was an incredible opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to help the Midland Area Historical Society and the Sanford Centennial Museum, when the flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic were causing mass devastation. Our team joined forces with their staff to care for and save as many artifacts and records as possible.” said Sarah Humes, Associate Registrar at the GRPM. “On behalf of all of us from the GRPM that are receiving the Clean Up Warriors Award, we want to thank MMA for this recognition.”
Grand Rapids Museum staff lent their experience and expertise to museums in Midland that experienced a flood earlier this year. (Supplied)
Every year, the Michigan Museums Association presents awards members for exceptional programs, exhibits and individuals that made an impact during the year. 2020 has been challenging on many fronts, and this year the MMA will celebrate its members, individuals and institutions that supported, adapted, and innovated throughout the year.
A celebration led by the MMA of all 2020 award winners will take place via Zoom on Thursday, November 19 at 3 p.m. The celebration is open to the public; registration required. A full list of awards can be found here: http://michiganmuseums.org/2020-Awards/.
It’s always fun to celebrate talent and hard work, and that’s what happened Monday evening when WKTV feted many of The Eclipse Award nominees at a soiree (aka ‘Eclipse Lounge’) held at Rockwell’s in Grand Rapids. It would have taken far more than mere rain leaking through the roof to dampen the excitement as attendees enjoyed appetizers, refreshments and kudos.
Heather Baker-Johnson and her husband, Ben
We spoke with several nominees to find out what, if anything, they felt upon hearing of their nominations. Emotions ran the gamut.
Nominated for Best Actor for her performance in shehimher, fledgling actor, Heather Baker-Jackson, said she felt honored to be nominated. “It was an amazing project,” Baker-Johnson said. “It’s actually the first time I’ve ever acted and I loved the experience of being involved with filmmakers. It’s a nice, creative outlet and I’m open to it. I’m having a blast!”
Liz Nolan
Also nominated for Best Actor, for her work in Two for the Show, Liz Nolan is on the other end of the spectrum–she’s been acting since she was six years old. “Being nominated is quite an honor,” Nolan said. “It’s for all of us, the greater good, and for the good of the industry. It was exciting to work with a good actor (Michael McCallum, who wrote, directed and acted in the film) who is present and focused. It was synchronicity. It’s my most favorite role so far, the most challenging and the most interesting.”
Charlotte Rinderknecht
Charlotte Rinderknecht attended the soiree in honor of the late Larry Lauria, with whom she co-produced the animated film, Pete’s Odyssey, the story of a female bird who must spread her wings and leave her parents’ nest. “I’m here to honor Larry’s memory and talent,” said Rinderknecht. “The project was Larry’s brainchild and it is his legacy. He worked with Bloomfield College’s fledgling animation program. The students worked full time on the project for four weeks. They worked so hard, and Larry pushed them as far as he could.”
Harper Philbin
Harper Philbin’s web series, Lucky Jay has already garnered a plethora of awards, but greatness knows no bounds. “I was very happy to see the series get Eclipse noms for producing, writing, directing, editing and acting,” Philbin said. “When I finished the series, I thought it might only play to college professors as sort of an in-joke, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised that the series has found a broader audience–enough good feedback that we decided to shoot a second season this June!”
Kelly Loughlin
Science fiction aficionado and Indiana native Kelly Loughlin was nominated for Best Producer for her work on Interference. The Grand Valley State University senior had pitched the script to her fiction class. “I produced, wrote and directed it,” Loughlin said. “It’s about a kid with a ham radio in the 1960s who communicates with a cosmonaut as he is re-entering the earth’s atmosphere. There were only two actors, and we translated the lines for the cosmonaut from English to Russian. The film is about connecting with someone who doesn’t speak the same language–how do we do that? The Eclipse Award is a great honor, especially while I’m still in school. It affirms that I am on the right track.”
Andrew Behm
Former WKTV intern, Andrew Behm was nominated for Best Narrative for his work on the film, Portrait, a story that follows the relationship of a photographer and her significant other. “When I cast the film, the role was open for any gender,” Behm said. “I didn’t want it to fall into any stereotype.” The Eclipse Award is Behm’s first big award. “I was so honored to be nominated. I felt validated. I worked very hard on the film.”
Dave Purnell
Dave Purnell received a nomination for Best Original Score for the film, INK 180. The story follows an inner-city tattoo artist who removes or covers tattoos for free for victims of sex trafficking. “The music plays a crucial role in the film,” said Purnell. “I’m excited and it feels wonderful to be nominated.”
Josh Reed
Josh Reed’s film, My Personal Pink Time, was nominated for Best Documentary. The film follows the life of a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. “She wanted everything documented,” said Reed. “Treatments, chemo, radiation, all of it. It meant a lot to me because cancer has affected my family. You can’t really know what it’s like until it happens to you or someone close to you. I wanted to get the word out.” Reed said it felt cool to be recognized for his work.
Michael McCallum and friend
Michael McCallum is in a league of his own. The filmmaker has won so many awards over the years, we’re certain that he must have lost track by now. (OK, so we lied. He knows. His films have won 75 major awards on the film festival circuit and received 132 nominations.) His film, Two for the Show was nominated for Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Writing in Produced Content, and McCallum was nominated for Best Actor as well. “I was confident in the film that people would have an opinion about it,” McCallum said. “Having it be honored with nominations is just icing on the cake. I’m incredibly proud of the film and everyone involved in helping create it.”
Sherryl Despres
Sherryl Despres, nominated for Best Actor for her work in Rodeo Girl, said getting the nomination was a pleasant surprise. “But it is also an affirmation. I’ve been acting since I was a child growing up in California and quit for a few years. But I’ve seen as good or better talent here in Michigan than I ever saw there. I can’t think of any greater honor than to be recognized with the likes of my fellow nominees by these talented people whose work I respect and admire.”
Reid Petro
Sporting three Best Cinematographer nominations–for Alaskan Adventure, It’s Your Move, and The Million Dollar Nickel–Reid Petro said the news really made his day. “I was extremely honored–honored to be nominated along with all of these other amazing artists that I admire and am inspired by. I know it’s cheesy but I was definitely in awe.”
Congrats to all of our nominees and we look forward to seeing you Thursday night for The Eclipse Awards ceremony. Great work, everybody!
