WHERE THE NORTHWOODS REVEALS ITSELF
Water rushing over ancient stone. Mist lifting through the pines at sunrise. A fleeting glance. A quiet street at dusk. A performer caught between breaths backstage. The world moves quickly — photography asks us to stop and truly see it.
Emberlight Photographers returns in 2026 with a striking new exhibition celebrating the beauty, complexity, and atmosphere of life in the Northwoods and beyond. Presented at the Historic Depot Museum from July 15 through August 22, this annual exhibition transforms moments both grand and intimate into works of visual storytelling.
Featuring the work of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team and guest artists, the exhibition spans sweeping landscapes, wildlife, portraiture, documentary photography, abstract imagery, and unexpected glimpses of everyday life. Together, these images form a vivid portrait not only of a region, but of the artists who continue to interpret it through their own unique lenses.
This year’s opening reception on Wednesday, July 15 at 4:00 pm also serves as the official launch of Festival Ironwood, making the Historic Depot Museum one of the cultural epicenters of the summer season. Guests are invited to meet the photographers, explore the exhibition, and celebrate the beginning of one of the Northwoods’ most exciting artistic weekends.
And if a particular image speaks to you, you may be able to take it home.
Beginning July 15, all exhibited works will be featured in Emberlight’s online photography auction, with bidding open through August 22. Winning bidders will receive the photographed work at the close of the festival, allowing audiences to bring a piece of Emberlight’s visual world into their own homes.
Some photographs document a moment. Others transform the way we remember it.
MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
MORE ART TO DISCOVER
In addition to Emberlight Photographers, which has become one of the festival’s signature events, we are pleased to expand our photography offerings this summer.
Pathways in Photography offers free classes with members of our Photography Team in three distinct techniques: Nature Photography Walk (June 27), Beyond the Snapshot (June 27), and Superior at Night (July 15). Click • Capture • Create (July 29) is also back this summer, bringing audiences “behind the lens” with stories and anecdotes from our photographers, hosted by Ken Wiele.
