Two accomplished local artisans who have been honing their individual crafts in Michigan’s Great Southwest for a number of years have collaborated on a stunning new project that brings a colorful coffee table book to the marketplace employing a simple alphabet approach to guide viewers and readers through the landmarks and beauty of the community of St. Joseph.
Lisa Vetne, a professional graphic designer, and Nicolina Holt, a professional photographer teamed up to create the striking new volume which debuted in a book launch and signing affair this weekend in downtown St. Joseph.
Their new “Discover St. Joseph” project was a partnership whose idea was born during a brainstorming session at a café in downtown St. Joe. The goal was to showcase the beautiful city; as well as to create a book the women could share with their children. The partnershipcollaboration was perfect. Nicolina captured the treasures of St. Joseph through the lens of her camera, while Lisa incorporated the images into thoughtful and stimulating page designs. The result is their interactive coffee table book, with a map and an ABC format to guide people of all ages as they “Discover St. Joseph.”
Vetne started her career at the University of Michigan and earned a B.F.A. with a concentration in Graphic Design from the School of Art & Design. At Michigan, she developed a love for design, typography, and visual communications. After graduation, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia and began her career in Graphic Design. Later she moved to Washington, D.C. where she had the privilege of working with a wide variety of large clients including NASA, The Department of Defense, and Auntie Annie’s Pretzels. Lisa and her family now live in Saint Joseph, along Lake Michigan’s beautiful coastline. Lisa formed the design studio, Design By Lisa, LLC, in 2014 and is grateful daily for the people, relationships, and high quality work that have evolved from that adventure.
Holt, an award winning photographer, earned her B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in photography and graphic design from Michigan State University. After working as a photojournalist for a number of years, she obtained her teacher certification in Art Education from Western Michigan University. Holt taught black and white photography for 10 years at Lake Michigan College. She now continues her fine art photography and runs her own photography business specializing in family, sports and commercial photography. She works and resides in St. Joe with her family.
The book, which was printed here in Michigan and is self-published, became available at its book launch and signing yesterday, April 29th, at Forever Books in downtown St. Joe and now it will also be available at other area retailers, as well as online at both links below:
