“Eclipse” Earns Third Place in Mackinaw City’s Under a Dark Sky Art Contest
In 2024 my painting Eclipse received third place in the Under a Dark Sky Art Contest, hosted by the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council with the Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
As part of the award, Eclipse was installed for public display at Conkling Heritage Park in Mackinaw City, Michigan in August 2025 —overlooking the water with open sky in the distance. It’s an incredible feeling to see the piece standing outdoors, surrounded by the same natural beauty that helped inspire it.
About the Contest
The international art contest celebrated the beauty of pristine night skies, places where the brilliance of the stars can still be seen, and invited artists to explore the theme through their own creative lens. The top three winning artworks were printed on weather-resistant panels and permanently installed along the Mackinaw City Art Walk at Conkling Heritage Park.
About Eclipse
This piece explores the meeting point between shadow and illumination—the fleeting balance when light and darkness coexist. The glowing contrast reflects both celestial movement and the internal cycles of reflection, renewal, and transformation.
Visiting the Installation
If you find yourself near Mackinaw City, stop by Conkling Heritage Park (335 S Huron Ave Mackinaw City, MI 49701) to see Eclipse and the other winning works in person. The park sits right along the waterfront and includes interpretive signage for each piece. Below are a few photos from the installation, including the park sign and the view by the water:
