First Friday in Calumet, June 5: Book signing, new exhibits

This Raku Basket by artist Ed Risak is part of the new exhibit at the Vertin Gallery, opening Friday, June 5. (Photos courtesy Vertin Gallery)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet, June 5, offers several art events, open to the public: a book signing at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) Studios and Gallery and art exhibit openings at both the Vertin Gallery and the Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery.

Wildflower photographer Harvey Desnick to sign new book at CCAA

Photographer and now pictorial author and publisher Harvey Desnick will be debuting his new wildflower pictorial Keweenaw Wildflowers Blooming Seasons with a premier book signing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the CCAA Studios and Gallery in Historic Downtown Calumet.

Blooming Seasons is a composite photographic work meant to stun readers with the incredible variety and beauty of the Keweenaw’s wildflowers and to encourage outdoor lovers to come and explore.

Blooming Seasons has been several years in the making. Over 300 images depict 278 varieties of wildflowers that bloom on the Keweenaw Peninsula north of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

Desnick will also be meeting wildflower lovers and signing books at his Keweenaw Wildflowers Up Close exhibit at Vic’s Cabins on US 41 in Kearsarge all weekend. The exhibit will be open special hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday, June 6.

The CCAA Gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. Gallery hours are Thursday– Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 the CCAA Web site.

Vertin Gallery to host Raku exhibit

"Recent Raku by Ed and Julie Risak" will open with an artist reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit will run through July 1.

Double Box, Raku by Julie Risak, is on exhibit at the Vertin Gallery through July 1. (Click on photos for larger versions.)

The Risaks, who work together and individually, produce sculptural pottery, beautifully unique in its form and in the strikingly rich color glazes, which they achieve through a special Raku firing process. Ed and Julie Risak have a studio in Marquette. Both graduated from Northern Michigan University in the ceramics program during the 1980s and have been professional ceramic artists for over 20 years.

"Their work is known widely," said Kerri Corser, artistic coordinator. "We are honored to bring it to the Copper Country."

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere fine art galleries, featuring sculpture, painting, copper, woodworking, glass, fiber, jewelry, and a fine selection of books. The work in the gallery changes frequently. A new exhibit each month showcases artists of the highest quality. For more information visit the Vertin Gallery Web site or phone Kerri Corser at: (906) 337-2200.

Mixed Media show at Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery

"All About the Sun and Other Things," a Mixed Media, one-person show by Laura Stahl Maze, will open at the Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery with a reception from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5. An artist demo will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information call 906-337-5970 or visit the Ed Gray Gallery Web site.