Kenosha's North Pier Light

Kenosha North Pier Light.
dwm photo

As I walked out the long pier to Kenosha's Pierhead Light I was struck by the dark red tower, black trim around the light, deep blue water, and light blue sky.

Like many of Lake Michigan's lighthouses, this one is now mere decoration.  Redeemed by artists, it is anything but usual.

It's a home, of sorts, to an artist.

I asked the young woman if she actually was an artist in residence and she said no, it was more of a day-camp than overnight.

The lakeside candle inspired her art - whether it was painting or photography.

There were many beautiful items for sale - one of a kind treasures to remember.  The artist vibe adds life to the pier and the light - notice the color around the base of the light.

A great photo backdrop
(dwm)

Other than signing a waiver of liability, there wasn't any charge to climb a ways into the tower, so up I went.

Artist ready to work. (dwm)

At the first landing, an easel and pad stood next to an open porthole with a view toward land.  Suddenly, a small space seemed as large as all outdoors.

While this area first had a light posted in 1856, that's before the Civil War, it was retired in 2008.

Thankfully, a local couple bought it at auction and converted it into an art studio and gallery.

Lake Michigan.  (dwm)

The light used to attract ships, now it gathers people.

While it was a gorgeous summer day when I walked out the pier, there was no rush.  A bridal party posed for photos, while others jostled for a prime spot to take a dockside selfie.

The North Pier Light was built in 1906.  I doubt the men on the work crew thought they were creating a piece of art,  But it is.

The North Pier Light is by the water, from the lantern
of the Southport Light Station (more in a future blog). (dwm)

Kenosha is a much different place in 2017 than 111 years ago.  A city of commerce and industry with possible promise of more jobs on the horizon.

Recently Foxcomm announced plans for a large plant in southeast Wisconsin, right in Kenosha's backyard and the possibility of 3,000 or more jobs.

There is a lot of water to be crossed before their ship comes in, to be sure, but the announcement beams as bright as the North Pier light ever did.