Exploring the decommissioned James DeYoung Power Plant through photography, ceramics, and screenprinting.
Last August we explored the decommissioned James DeYoung Power Plant with Sara Alsum-Wassenaar, using photography and clay to document the site before its eventual destruction. Participants imprinted slabs of clay with textures found at the site and pressed these onto plate molds to dry. Sara and her team of artists from GVSU glazed and fired the dinnerware, which was later used for a dinner with the City Council, as they reflected on the history and proposed future of the site.
Later in the year, Suzy Parker used photos from that day, as well as photos taken earlier by Mayor Bocks, to create a series of multi-media screen prints that highlight this iconic piece of Holland’s history. Students in Suzy’s photography and screen printing class also made their own prints using these screens. We love dreaming about the future of this lakefront location, and love it when history, city planning, and art come together in creative ways. We’re so grateful to @mmalsumwass for organizing the workshop at the James DeYoung Power Plant, the City of Holland for granting access to the site, and to Mayor Bocks for snapping some great photos!
