Hwhup The Deans List? The Jason Dean here, bringing an end to the Weekend like it was final chapter of the Skywalker Saga. It had some fun moments, I guess, but it was mostly cringe and in the end it was largely just forgettable.

Nothing like dunking on a six year old movie to get this party started.

Anyways. Let’s get into it.

New Art in my own space

Here’s what I’ve been cooking up in the lab 😎

Presque Isle is not usually the best place to see the Northern Lights in Marquette; at least on its Ore Dock side. In addition to being the side that faces the city, there’s a lot of light pollution from the Ore Dock itself. However, it’s always worth checking it out- especially when there is a powerful solar event as there was on this particular night- because there are scenes like this one that you can’t get anywhere else.

As a self-declared winter enthusiast, I never thought I would say this- I’m, like, SOOOOO ready for spring.

Partly because this has been the worst winter I’ve ever been a part of, but mostly largely because I’m ready to get back to taking photos like this. Sure, this is a Christmas tree photo taken in my living room so it is technically a winter photo that was taken inside and what is stopping me from just having a tree in my house whenever I want other than societal norms, but I am chomping at the bit to explore green leaves and green grass and OH GOSH I MISS GREEN.

Deep breath, Jason. Snow can be lovely. Aaaaand exhale. Now inhale. I love the snow. Exhale. Breathe in again. Winter cannot hurt me. Exhale. And one more deep breath in. Winter is the back-killer. Winter is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face winter. I will permit it to pass over my roof and all around my mailbox. And when the plow is gone I will turn and face winter's path, and I will be big sad.

Live Streaming (really) starts this week!

Thanks again to everyone who was able to attend the soft launch of my weekly Live Stream last week! It was a lot of fun (fact) and (in my opinion) a solid first step into creating this kind of content experience for folks that appreciate my work and/or want to know more about my editing process.

The real deal starts this Tuesday (March 31st) at 7:00 PM EST. Come hang out with me on YouTube while I edit photos 😎

No Kings

Yesterday, I attended my first ‘No Kings’ protest in downtown Marquette with camera in hand.

I imagine you’re either fired up about or rolling your eyes at that. In either case, I’m not going to talk much about it- you can check out my images on Instagram (or Facebook)- but I do want to say it was an incredible experience! For two hours, hundreds and hundreds of my fellow community members come together in a positive, peaceful demonstration of their disapproval of the current administration. There was laughing and smiling and chatting and music and cars honking and creativity and kindness, and it was a vibrant reminder of what actually makes this country great.

100 Day Project Update

Here’s where ‘We, The Songs We’ve Sung’ stands after about 9.5 weeks. It’s hard to believe that we are on the precipice of the last month of the project!

APPLIED Sciences

I submitted another application for a summer farmer’s market, Castle 906 Market in Negaunee. This is a new market that is opening their market for the first time to some limited art vendors. What the heck, let’s shoot our shot and see what happens!

Waves are Wednesdays Preview

Behold- this week’s Waves are Wednesdays photo that I’ll be sharing on social media:

Thank you so much for being here and following/supporting my work. I appreciate it!

We’re Dreaming

If you have even a passing familiarity with the Marquette classical music scene, then you should be familiar with the name Jacob Schmeltzer. He is a member of the MSO, the Marquette City Band, Westerly Winds, and honestly probably more. He plays piano at Messiah Lutheran Church, is the band director at Negaunee schools, and oh yeah in his spare time is a husband and father. It’s quite a resume!

Yet all of those accolades and activities are not what get Jacob a spot on the Dreamers list. No, indeed it is because Jacob has composed and recorded some of the most beautiful piano music you’ve ever heard.

Do yourself a favor- find a quiet room, put your headphones on, click on any one of his albums, and prepare to feel. Jacob is one of the most gifted musicians I know, able to play multiple instruments and play them well, but it is on the piano where his musicianship shines. His ability to understand the context of the music and tell its story while also improvising and embellishing is second to none.

To Jacob- thank you for being a dreamer!

Thanks for reading, folks! If you’ve read this far, I’d love to hear in the comments what part of today’s newsletter resonated with you the most. I’d also appreciate if you could share on your social media accounts. If you’re reading this and aren’t subscribed yet, click that Email Inbox Delivery Portal to have The Weekender delivered right to your virtual door 🙂

See you around,

Jason