Over the last several weeks, the walls outside the city’s chamber of leadership have been adorned by some unique pieces of art, created by residents of all ages — including one still in elementary school.

On Wednesday, 9-year-old Reagan Williamson stopped by city hall to see her photo of the city’s Mennel Milling company on display outside the council chambers on the second floor of the structure. The Justus Gage student was the youngest finalist in the city’s recent Focus on Dowagiac photo contest, where residents were asked to submit their photographs depicting the city’s architecture.

It was the second such contest the city has facilitated in recent months, with two other contests already planned in the coming months. The two prior contests have attracted diverse entries from the people of the community, who have submitted their entries online.

More than anything, the contest is yet another affirmation of Dowagiac’s dedication to the arts and to passing the current generations love for the humanities on to the next.

While not a novel concept, the city’s photography contests are a perfect way for anyone, be they a professional with their own studio or a child with a big imagination like Reagan, a chance to express themselves and show it off their creativity to neighbors.

Not only that, but perhaps people who see how others see Dowagiac through the lens of their camera will change the perspective on how others see their hometown.

As Reagan’s case showed, the city’s contest gives children just as large a platform for their work as adults, which is great. It’s similar to the artwork the city commissioned from local students for its wayfinding signs several months ago, in that students’ budding love for the arts can be shared with everyone — which is sure to encourage to continue to cultivate that love.

We are hoping to see more of Reagan’s works in future contests, and we are hoping more of her peers follow suit and try showing off their photographer’s eye.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.