I would like to thank the Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University, which initially commissioned the project that came to be known as Perimeter. The invitation to think more deeply about the place where I live, and to contribute to the conversation on the importance of freshwater, was a real gift. I’m grateful to the entire museum staff for their support, in particular Director Wally Mason and Curator of Education Lynne Shumow, whose enthusiasm for the project was inspiring.
Thank you to the hundreds of subjects I photographed, most of whom I met only briefly. Your contribution to this project may have only lasted a few minutes, but it had a beautiful, cumulative effect. I’m glad we met and I hope I captured a glimpse of your love for Lake Michigan.
Kate Thompson at the Wisconsin Historical Society Press saw potential for Perimeter as a book, and I’m grateful to her and Kathy Borkowski for their vision. And to Laura Kearney, who patiently guided the production of the book you’re holding.
I’m grateful for the thoughtful words of Mary Louise Schumacher, whose coverage of the art in our region is more important than ever. And to John Gurda, for allowing me to lift a particularly apt quote from one of his fascinating lectures about the lake.
To those who assisted me at times during the project: Brianna Prudhomme, Jessica Kaminski, Greg Ruffing, Patrick Castro, and Alexa Bradley of On the Commons. During my trip around the lake, I reached out to many people whose advice and insights were invaluable. Thank you to all those who continued to point me in the right direction.
Lastly, thank you to my partner, Marilu Knode, whose support never seems to end.