Coming in June 2009, Gary Cialdella’s book "The Calumet Region: An American Place"

jointly published by the University of Illinois Press and the Brauer Musuem of Art at

Valparaiso University.

Once a dominant region for steel production and oil refining the Calumet Region has been

described as a bewilderingly complex place. The region, which includes south Chicago and

northwest Indiana, is intertwined with numerous communities and industries bordering the

natural setting of Lake Michigan. The Lake's expanse is both the actual and symbolic antidote

to this aging industrial landscape. The photographs address the drama and contrast of the

region, the use and misuse of land, and the working class neighborhoods of these older

communities.

Michigan photographer Gary Cialdella specializes in the photography of the American social landscape. Gary’s work is exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States. He is a frequent lecturer and teacher of photography. He has been a visiting artist at the University of Michigan and the College for Creative Studies. Gary is a member of the Society for Photographic Education and the American Society of Media Photographers. His work also is represented at Photo Bistro.

Gary is a professional architectural photographer serving clients throughout the Midwest. He also is a specialist in photographic documentation fo historic structures, having photographed historic properties for architects meeting HABS-HARE documentation standards established by the United States Park Service. Gary earned his MA in American history from Western Michigan University, and an MFA in photography from the University of Notre Dame. For further information, see the credentials section of this site.