Tug: A Great Lakes Odyssey

Steve Nelson

October 9–November 8, 2019

Both a long-time maritime industry and literal and figurative journeys are explored in Tug: A Great Lakes Odyssey, a photographic study by Steve Nelson. The exhibition centers on the tugboat fleet of the Great Lakes Towing Company, which was founded in the 19th century and today operates in more than 40 U.S. ports throughout lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior. Nelson began the project in the spring of 2018, and across the past year-and-a-half has chronicled operations and moments from Duluth, Minnesota to Buffalo, New York; from dry dock to guiding domestic and foreign-flagged cargo carriers to icebreaking; from the scrapping of old vessels to the construction of new.

Nelson is an associate professor of art at Hope, where he has taught photography since 1989. He earned his BFA in photography from Western Michigan University and his MFA in art media studies from Syracuse University.

Press release for Tug: A Great Lakes Odyssey 

A conversation with Steve Nelson 

ARTIST TALK

Friday, October 11 | 4–5 p.m.
Cook Auditorium, De Pree Art Center and Gallery

Opening RECEPTION

Friday, October 11 | 5–6:30 p.m.
De Pree Art Center and Gallery