MIDDLEPORT – A new hometown poster project photographed by a Middleport native captures the essence of life in a small village by featuring a collection of beautiful, residential porches.
“Falling for the Porches of Middleport” offers a cornucopia of colors and styles as presented by local photographer Gretchen Schweigert. Shot in autumn, the poster also features fall’s rich hues.
“I’ve lived here my whole life, and this was a chance to promote Middleport and what I love about it,” Schweigert said. “It was fun to use the porches in my hometown. These homes and porches are so connected with my own childhood memories.”
The project is part of a village promotional campaign, and donations made for each poster will be used to publish a book written by Anna Wallace, former village historian. Current Village Historian Christa Lutz is working with Wallace to turn her historical accounts of the village into a book featuring stories, newspaper clippings and photos.
“Anna does such a wonderful job of telling our story that I can’t wait until we can have her book completed and available to share with anyone interested in our local history,” said Lutz.
One of the porches Schweigert photographed was that of Middleport Mayor Richard Westcott.
Westcott said: “What I love about this poster is that it features porches from many different homes from throughout the whole village, including the old Victorians, newer homes, and small and large homes alike. The colors and variety really show why so many of our residents find the Village of Middleport a great place to call home.”
Schweigert said that she canvassed the village scouting for candidates for the poster and that she and project coordinator Patt Fagan narrowed it down to the 18 chosen.
Schweigert, who graduated from Alfred University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a concentration in photography, also tells her story of how she photographed some of Middleport’s porches for the poster on a Youtube.com video. Visit www.Middleport-NewYork.com to view it.
She said the project reminded her of the semester she spent studying photography abroad and a similar poster of the colorful front doors found in Ireland.
“I like hearing about places that the people are proud of,” she said. “In Ireland, they went wild with their doors and painted them all different colors.”
The Middleport porch posters are available for a $5 donation at Middleport Village Hall during regular business hours and at the village historian’s office, 20 Main St., from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Posters also may be obtained by mail by sending a $14 check to cover mailing costs and a donation to Middleport Area Tourism and Beautification Committee, Box 114, Middleport, NY 14105.
Anyone with questions about the poster or how to order them may email news@Middleport-NewYork.com.
“Falling for the Porches of Middleport” offers a cornucopia of colors and styles as presented by local photographer Gretchen Schweigert. Shot in autumn, the poster also features fall’s rich hues.
“I’ve lived here my whole life, and this was a chance to promote Middleport and what I love about it,” Schweigert said. “It was fun to use the porches in my hometown. These homes and porches are so connected with my own childhood memories.”
The project is part of a village promotional campaign, and donations made for each poster will be used to publish a book written by Anna Wallace, former village historian. Current Village Historian Christa Lutz is working with Wallace to turn her historical accounts of the village into a book featuring stories, newspaper clippings and photos.
“Anna does such a wonderful job of telling our story that I can’t wait until we can have her book completed and available to share with anyone interested in our local history,” said Lutz.
One of the porches Schweigert photographed was that of Middleport Mayor Richard Westcott.
Westcott said: “What I love about this poster is that it features porches from many different homes from throughout the whole village, including the old Victorians, newer homes, and small and large homes alike. The colors and variety really show why so many of our residents find the Village of Middleport a great place to call home.”
Schweigert said that she canvassed the village scouting for candidates for the poster and that she and project coordinator Patt Fagan narrowed it down to the 18 chosen.
Schweigert, who graduated from Alfred University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a concentration in photography, also tells her story of how she photographed some of Middleport’s porches for the poster on a Youtube.com video. Visit www.Middleport-NewYork.com to view it.
She said the project reminded her of the semester she spent studying photography abroad and a similar poster of the colorful front doors found in Ireland.
“I like hearing about places that the people are proud of,” she said. “In Ireland, they went wild with their doors and painted them all different colors.”
The Middleport porch posters are available for a $5 donation at Middleport Village Hall during regular business hours and at the village historian’s office, 20 Main St., from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Posters also may be obtained by mail by sending a $14 check to cover mailing costs and a donation to Middleport Area Tourism and Beautification Committee, Box 114, Middleport, NY 14105.
Anyone with questions about the poster or how to order them may email news@Middleport-NewYork.com.
