River Day: June 6, 2026

I am a geographer; geographers tell stories about places. My relief prints are images that try to capture the essence of places with thick lines and blocks of black ink on white paper. I’m also a kayaker; the place in this image is a kayak on a river, approaching a bend and whatever mystery may be around that bend.

Relief printing is a simple process that originated a couple of thousand years ago. It is not well suited to showing subtle variations of tone or fine lines, so it demands simple compositions that present the important part of any scene, and nothing else. My process typically involves making several drawings of the same place, removing detail with each new draft, until only the lines and shapes that are important to the story of that place remain. This simplified image is carved in reverse on a block and printed with thin water-based ink on slightly textured paper.

I made this design for a class assignment. It was the first time I tried drawing a cartoon style frog. I usually draw realistic portraits of friends and family and famous people. Winning this contest empowers me to consider drawing animals in my own style.

Amanda grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama, and an appreciation of the beauty and benefits of waterways has always been a big part of her life. She studied art in college and over the years has developed a love for wildlife illustration. Her goal is to create images that both reflect nature and surprise with unexpected elements of texture and design.

“From photography to painting, charcoal art to mixed media, my art spans across various mediums and forms, all of which focus on the captivating power and beauty of nature. I’m constantly exploring new artistic styles and messages, using Michigan’s landscapes as my muse.”

“When I was younger, I used to think that my house was the center of the world. As I got older, I began to understand that there were bigger things happening outside of my tiny bubble. I started learning about watersheds and how they connect us all. Regardless of where we live, we're always a part of a watershed. It's amazing to think about how our actions (or inaction) in one area can impact people miles away. I'm grateful for my education on watersheds because it's helped me become more mindful of my own actions - both at home and beyond. Every day, I try to do my part to help keep our watershed. When we take care of our watersheds, everything thrives!."

“I have been a resident of Macomb and Oakland Counties for a combined total of 57 years and have enjoyed all the beauty and activities the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair have to offer. Our family has participated in several of the Rochester Recreation Center Outdoor Programs including night hikes, we kayak the river to Yates Cider Mill, and walk the Clinton River Trail almost daily. My first grandchild was born this March and by supporting the watershed projects it will ensure she will be able to enjoy the river, lake and wildlife they sustain for many years."