Discover St. Joseph

Over the last few years I've been told repeatedly that "when the atmospheric conditions are just right you can see Chicago from St Joseph". I've looked and I've looked but until a few months ago I've not had much luck. I thought I saw industrial smoke rising from smokestacks a few time but no discernible downtown buildings. Since last fall I've seen bits of the Chicago skyline from St Joseph a number of times. Here is one example of the photos I have of the Chicago skyline from St Joe. You'll have to click on the image to see it larger. I suspect there are a few factors that have to come into play for a good viewing. Crisp, clear air Clear skies over Chicago A calm lake Low lake levels Knowing where to look The image above was taken at sunset on December 4, 2012 from Lookout Park in St Joseph. Whenever I take in a Lake Michigan sunset I look to the southwest to see if I can see Chicago. And every once in a while I get lucky. 

There are two great public locations in St Joseph devoted to the arts, the Krasl Art Center (which I've mentioned numerous times on this blog) and the Box Factory for the Arts . We've been to the Box Factory several times now and I'm at a loss to explain why I haven't written about it before. But, evidently I haven't. The Box Factory is currently hosting an exhibit that has me all excited. It's called, SHOOT!, and it's an all-photography exhibit... a first for the Box Factory. The Box Factory is dedicated to featuring local artists from Berrien County and Michiana and this exhibit features photographers from Berrien County and Michiana. And the best part of it, in my opinion, is that it's an "open" show. In this case "open" means it's not a juried show, your art work doesn't have to be judged as "good enough" to be a part of the show. It's open to all levels of photographers from those using cell-phone came...