Around the water cooler: Photographer Paul M. Lurie

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Schiff Hardin partner Paul M. Lurie will host a photography exhibition titled, “The Glories of the Door County Landscape,” from Sept. 6 to Oct. 13 at The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts in Ephraim, Wis.

Lurie has been business and legal counsel for major owners, developers, design, and construction firms for more than 40 years.

He said he’s been involved with cameras since high school, when he spent time on the yearbook and newspaper. In the last 10 years he’s become more serious about fine art photography, he said.

As a frequent Door County visitor for the last 25 years, he has become concerned about the preservation of the area’s buildings. That concern led to the creation of this exhibit, which he hopes will increase awareness of the importance of preserving the landscape.

“What I’m trying to do is tell people that the things you take for granted are significant parts of why you enjoy Door County,” he said. “Unless we do something to preserve those landscapes, then they are going to disappear over time.”

Lurie said he came across his photo subjects while driving, walking, and biking around the area. He wants those who view his photos to see how beautiful, yet fragile, the buildings and overall landscape can be.

“As a fine art photographer, I think I’m doing God’s work here,” he said. “I’m trying to make a point.”

Throughout his life he’s been involved in preservation. He is one of the founders of the Chicago Architectural Foundation, but his preservation efforts have most often involved urban buildings. Rural preservation is not always as obvious, he said.

His photography can be found throughout the Chicago area on display in such locations as hospitals and universities.

“I like the sharing aspect,” Lurie said about his photography. “I see something and I think it’s really beautiful and I can capture that beauty, more or less, and I can share it with others. And I enjoy that.”

The exhibit can be found at the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts, which is on the Anderson Dock at 9998 Pioneer Lane in downtown Ephraim, Wis. For more information on Lurie’s photography visit www.luriephoto.com. For more information about the gallery, visit www.thehardy.org or call (920) 854-2210.

– Olivia Clarke