Kelly will be displaying many new photographs taken during Glas Coffeehouse’s weekly Wednesday Open Mic sessions, some winter scenes in Door County and photos from her most recent trip to Maui. The Avenson Photography exhibit will be on display at Glas throughout the month of April.

Immediately after Kelly Avenson’s graduation from Hawkeye Community College in 2007, she jumped at the opportunity to use her photojournalism degree in the Dominican Republic, documenting nursing students’ relief efforts in the Jarabacoa’s emergency room. In 2009, she traveled to Jamaica to provide family portraits to the people of Hagley Gap. Both trips not only taught her a lot about photography, but proved to her that she choose the right path.

“My goal is to make a difference in peoples’ lives with photography,” she explains. “Whether it’s putting a smile on the faces of a family or giving a voice to those in need, I have one mission – to make a difference.”

After moving to Door County in 2007 for a newspaper internship, she progressed to freelancing. Her work has been seen in the Resorter Reporter, Door County Now and the Door County Advocate. In 2008, having made a name for herself in the community, Kelly decided that it was time to open the doors to her own photography studio on Jefferson Street. She is thankful for all the support and guidance provided by Marilyn Beachler (Java on Jefferson) and Irene (Anna Rose ReSale).

“I can’t thank those wonderful ladies enough for all their help and input while I got my feet on the ground with a fresh business,” says Kelly.

Greco Gallery on 3rd Avenue

Now she is moving and expanding her business to a new spot on 3^rd Avenue, a studio and art gallery located between two book stores. Greco Gallery will showcase local artists working in all media from jewelry to paintings and even some concrete art!

Kelly says, “It’s been a labor of love. I’ve transformed the space into something I’m truly proud of and looking forward to opening.”

You can visit www.KellyAvenson.com to view samples of her work.

In the Chicago area, Sue has performed at Schubas, Martyr’s, Fitzgerald’s, Elbo Room, Evanston SPACE, Two Way Street Coffee House, and Uncommon Ground.  Now including Wisconsin in her territory, she’s played at Folk on State and Maxwell St. Days (Madison), Café Carpe (Ft. Atkinson), and The Art Garage (Green Bay).

“Guess I’m movin’ on up… up North, that is,” she laughs.  On Thursday, May 27, Sue will perform her first Door County show at Glas, the green coffeehouse, 67 E. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay, 920.743.5575.  Wisconsin troubadour Skip Jones opens at 7 pm, and Sue Fink begins at 8 pm.  There is no cover charge.

Sue Fink

Known for her compelling songs and charming performances, Sue shares her unique perspective through humor, poignant lyrics, and sing-along tunes.  During her hour-long set, Sue will perform songs from her two full-length CDs, Thoughts at an Intersection (2009), and Damsel in Distress (2006).  Most likely she’ll sing something from Not Quite There Yet (2003), her 5-song sampler, as well as a new song or two.  Her songs have received radio play on WPR and WORT in Wisconsin, and Thoughts, in particular, has been played on folk stations nationwide, including Rich Warren’s nationally syndicated show, “Midnight Special.”

Lilli Kuzma, host of the “Folk Festival” show on WDBC in Glen Ellyn, IL, voted Sue’s song “Tracking System” as one of her top three favorite new songs of 2009.  “I’m struck, in particular, by Sue’s amazing ability to segue from a quirky song to very serious material, to have me literally laughing out loud one minute, and almost in tears the next.  She has a great way of connecting with her audience,” Lilli says.

Come see for your self at Glas on May 27!

“The real appeal, however, is Fink’s distinctive, off-kilter worldview …” – Jim DeRogatis, music critic, Chicago Sun Times , http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/2009/10/demo2dero_sue_fink.html

“…A host of talented musicians, providing everything from cello to piano, assist her in realizing her wistful, humorous, and serious observations about life.” – Jason Scales, Illinois Entertainer (Thoughts at an Intersection CD review), http://illinoisentertainer.com/2010/03/around-hear-march-2010/

“Astuteness and innocence are bedfellows in [Sue's] songs.  The moments she captures, the detail in which the moments are drawn, and her rendering of the characters is nothing short of delightful.” - Jenny Bienemann, singer-songwriter who performs frequently in Door County

“Sue Fink brought down the house with her piercingly funny lyrics, sung with an innocent style that made it all that more subversive.” – Rick Nease, singer-songwriter