This Friday, City Hall will become a showcase for not only politicians and city planners but also for the discerning eyes of art enthusiasts, as Mayor Roger J. Reinert officially welcomes two local artists, Rick Rice and Stephanie Irwin as 2025's artists in residence. According to an official press release, the pair will have their arresting landscape photography on display in the Mayor's Reception Room for the entirety of the year. The public is invited to join the reception, beginning at 3:00 pm, where they can absorb the creativity of the photographers while enjoying light refreshments.

Taking cues from the natural splendor all around them, both Rice and Irwin have forged palpable connections with the landscapes they capture — Rice with his emotive portrayals of the aurora borealis and the region's grand vistas, and Irwin, who balances her time as a full-time gastroenterologist with capturing maritime scenes that articulate her profound affinity for the Great Lakes. It's a photographic duality that underscores the dual nature of one's life pursuits, professional and personal and it's laid bare for all to see in City Hall of all places.

The welcoming event, beyond serving as an exhibition kickoff, will also be a chance for Duluth residents to mingle with new City Administrator Matthew Staehling, the release noted. With the artists in attendance, visitors can expect an interactive experience, a direct dialogue with the photographers, and possibly a glimpse into their artistic process. Residents will undoubtedly gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders so vividly encapsulated in Rice's and Irwin's works.

Self-taught and dedicated, Stephanie Irwin brings her love of unpredictable weather conditions and their impact on her beloved Great Lakes to the fore, while longtime resident Rick Rice seeks to communicate the awe of Duluth's sweeping landscapes through his lens. Both artists, through their distinct perspectives, offer windows into the serene and often dramatic beauty of their home. An opportunity, it seems, for those with an eye for art or a love for Duluth's natural beauty to come together and engage with these unique local talents, their stories told through their art, woven into the fabric of the city, enriching Duluth's cultural tapestry one snapshot at a time.

For further details on the Mayor's Reception event and a preview of the art in residence, visit the official press release.