Bay City, Michigan is the best of both worlds. It’s a place that has kept an America of old alive with its small-town feel and tight-knit community, while at the same time presenting big-city opportunities for natives and newcomers alike.
Located along the Saginaw River, its waterfront and trails give residents ample opportunity for outdoor activities with a view. Inland lies beautifully unique architecture, some of which dates back to the city’s inception.
Appearances aside, it’s the people who make Bay City much more than any other riverine town. Throughout these photographs, you’ll see folks who are deeply proud of Bay City and the community they’ve cultivated. There is a strong sense of compassion and concern for one’s neighbor. Bay City: Where A Community Shines Bright has been created to honor community members, local leaders, and business owners who have played a part in making Bay City so special. Photography By: Ryan Garza and Courtney Simpson
Jenifer Acosta, Bethany Astrom, Mike Baciagalupo, Andrew Comtois, Miah Cooper, Victoria deRuiter, Dave Dittenber, Madeline Drake, Bryan Draves, Rosemary Dugan, Phil Eich, Steve Frye, Avram Golden, Jessica Hill, Alan LaFave, Nicole Luczak, Jessica McQuarter, Dana Muscott, Darold Newton, Jordan Pries, Major Rick Ray, John Smith, Vinny Stuart, and Alayna Wesener.
Over 2022 – 2023, Photoville collaborated with marketing agency Finn Partners, to deliver a multi-city photography exhibition to their client, SK Group. Acting as both creative and production partner, Photoville managed the ideation and concept development, photography, interviews, design, and installation of a total of 16 PhotoCubes across four cities in the U.S.
The community-based project highlighted local leaders, small businesses owners, and individuals doing good works in their community. We worked with local photographers, and photographed and interviewed over 100 people in Bay City, Michigan; Petersburg, Virginia; Rancho Cordova, California; and Plano, Texas. The exhibition featured community members who were engaged in their communities as city managers, council members, nonprofit founders, artists, veterans, farmers, student volunteers, and even a State Senator!
The resulting PhotoCube exhibits were installed in each local community in public parks, plazas, and historic downtowns.
