First Friday in Calumet to feature 3 art events May 1

"Sun Dance," Acrylic, by Artist Ed Schuck, is part of his exhibit "THE UNIVERSE" at the Vertin Gallery from May 1 to June 3. An opening reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet offers three interesting art events, open to the public, this Friday evening, May 1.

Vertin Gallery exhibit, "THE UNIVERSE," to open with artist reception

The Vertin Gallery will present its newest exhibition, "THE UNIVERSE," paintings by Artist Ed Schuck, with a public reception for the artist from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The exhibition will be on display through June 3, 2009.

Schuck , originally from the Big Apple, New York City, has been a resident of the Keweenaw for the past 30 years. This exhibit features his large format acrylic abstract paintings, inspired after the images of our universe, that have been produced by the Hubble Telescope. He received a BFA in Painting and Film Making from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, Michigan, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere fine art galleries, featuring sculpture, painting, copper, glass, fiber, woodworking, jewelry and a fine selection of books. The work in the gallery changes frequently, and each month premieres a new exhibit to feature artists of the highest quality.

For more information on upcoming events and the gallery itself, visit www.vertingallery.com or call Kerri Corser, artistic coordinator, at 906-337-2200.

CCAA First Friday Demonstration with Clyde Mikkola

Clyde Mikkola’s drawings are admired by many for the feelings his work exudes. Enjoy hearing him discuss his approach, then pick up a pencil and put your own hand to paper. Mikkola's CCAA (Copper Country Associated Artists) First Friday demonstration runs continuously so join in anytime from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the CCAA Studios and Gallery in Historic Downtown Calumet.

The essence of Mikkola’s demonstration will be to explain how he sees and how he uses what he sees to create a drawing. Hearing Clyde discuss his personal style is sure to inspire beginners and accomplished artists alike.

A still life will be set up, and everyone will be supplied materials and can work according to the explanation of Clyde’s approach. All CCAA demonstrations are free, so come and enjoy.

First Friday CCAA demonstrations are an opportunity to introduce visitors to a variety of arts and fine craft techniques by some of the area’s most talented practitioners.

The CCAA Gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Thursday through Saturday. First Fridays, the Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the CCAA call 906-337-1252 or visit ccaartists.org.

Ed Gray Gallery to feature "Places and Dwellings"

An opening reception for the one-person show "Places and Dwellings," by Todd A. Erickson, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the Ed Gray Gallery, 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. The exhibit features unique bronze castings created by the "lost wax" tradition.

For more information call 906-337-5970 or visit http://www.edgraygallery.com.