Courtesy Photo Jeff Morrison poses with one of his books in this undated photo provided by the author.

ALPENA — Jeff Morrison, author of “Guardians of Michigan: Architectural Sculpture of the Pleasant Peninsulas,” will visit the Alpena County Library, 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena, at 6 p.m. June 22.

Morrison is the author of two books, the multi-award-winning Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City and the just-released Guardians of Michigan: Architectural Sculpture of the Pleasant Peninsulas.

He will present a 60-minute program with more than 250 spectacular pictures of interesting architectural sculptures found on buildings throughout Michigan, from Ann Arbor to Ontonagon and all points in between.

Visitors will learn about the symbolism behind the sculpture and hear some of the untold stories of the artists, artisans, and architects involved in the creation of these wonderful structures and the unique art that adorns them.

There will be time for questions and answers and both books will be available for sale after the presentation.

Morrison is a photographer and writer who has been taking pictures since his parents gave him his first camera at age nine.

He has a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in art from Eastern Michigan University and over thirty years of experience as a graphic artist.

His first book, Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City, was published by Wayne State University Press in 2019 and won a State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan and a Midwest Book Award from the Midwest Independent Publishers Association, and was honored as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan.

His second book, Guardians of Michigan: Architectural Sculpture of the Pleasant Peninsulas, was published by The University of Michigan Press and was just released this past September. It was honored as a 2023 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan.

Jeff lives in Oxford, with his lovely wife Susie.

The Michigan Notable Books program is designed to promote reading, Michigan authors, and stories by annually selecting 20 titles that best reflect the diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experiences in the state.

“The Michigan Notable Books selections clearly demonstrate the diverse tapestry of subject matter that Michigan offers to inspire writers,” said State Librarian Randy Riley. “Everyone will find an author tour stop of interest that speaks to their lives or experiences in our great state.”