Dennis Connolly

Dennis Connolly

Early on in life, Dennis developed a passion for all things of science and photography. He started his photographic escapades with a recycled Kodak Brownie camera, by being the introverted, self-assigned, family event photographer. His scientific notoriety began with a Sulphur fire in the family’s basement during a chemistry “experiment.” Time progressed, finding Dennis continuing his studies in health care, all the while contributing photos to the Year Book and photographically recording therapies of his young patients and treating children on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation during the summers.

The next three years, Dennis spent in the Air Force with time to improve his camera exploration during his travels, even winning European honors in photo competitions. For years after, Dennis’ priorities were his family and his practice and time for other artistic pursuits waned.

Then, in 1988, Dennis received his first calling to volunteer his time to dental care abroad and he has worked with organizations from the University of Massachusetts to the University of Texas, rendering care during many visits to Central America and Mexico. In the recent past, Dennis visited his daughter who was in the Peace Corps in Turkmenistan, Central Asia, offering him many opportunities for viewing another culture.

Dennis currently resides with Bonnie, his wife, and best friend for fifty years. She encouraged him to enter the Miller Art Museum’s Mixed Media juried exhibition in 2001, with a sensitive portrait of a young woman in Honduras. Through some great fortune, this photo was selected as a “Juror’s Choice.” This honor encouraged Dennis to participate in workshops with master photographers, Dan Anderson, Suzanne Rose and Doug Beasley. Though he continues to explore other photographic subjects, he returns to portraiture and abstract subject matter.

Dennis has appreciated sharing his images at the Southport Art Gallery, The Hardy Gallery, the Miller Art Museum and the Meadows Gallery. One of his photos was even selected to be used as a wine label at Stone’s Throw Winery! Dennis continues to be humbled by the many, incredible area artists and feels fortunate to share his pieces with the Door County community.

Sincerely,

Dennis M. Connolly