First Friday in Calumet to offer art, music events May 7

CALUMET -- Main Street Calumet's First Friday events on May 7 include exhibits, receptions, watercolor painting and music. Make it an evening!

Vertin Gallery to host exhibit by Bethany Stevens

The Vertin Gallery is pleased to present its newest exhibition, "TANGLES: TACHISM AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS," a collection of expressionist paintings by the artist BETHANY STEVENS.

"Study of a Tangle," Oil on Canvas, 2010, by Bethany Stevens. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

The exhibition will open May 7 and be on display until June 2, 2010. A reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 7. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere fine art galleries, representing over 144 artists and featuring paintings, sculpture, glass, fine woodworking, jewelry, fiber, photography, pottery, copper, and a fine collection of books and antiques. The work in the gallery changes frequently and premieres a new exhibition each month to showcase artists of the highest quality.

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

Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery to present "Inside / Outside the Box"

The Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery will present a juried, all-media exhibit, "Inside / Outside the Box," from May 7 to June 2, 2010.

An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 7. The Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery is at 109 Fifth Street in Calumet.

Artist Ellen Torola to offer "Getting Acquainted with Watercolor"

The Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) will present "Getting Acquainted with Watercolor" with local artist Ellen Torola from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday evening, May 7, in their gallery at 112 Fifth Street.

Visitors are invited to participate in a step-by-step process of painting a simple watercolor. You will complete a painting in this one session. If you have watercolors, please bring them with you; however, paper and paints will be provided. There is no need to sign up. Welcome to a fun painting session!

For 32 years, well known artist Ellen Torola owned and operated the former Paint Box Gallery in Calumet, where she taught art classes and sold art supplies, frames and her own artwork. Although she has retired from the business, she continues to paint at home. Her work is found at the CCAA, the Vertin Gallery and at her home. Torola, who is self-taught, paints in watercolors, acrylics and colored pencil.

For more information visit ccaartists.org.

Music at Conglomerate Café

As part of your First Friday festivities, be sure to stop in for "After Hours" between 7 p.m. and Midnight Friday, May 7, at the Conglomerate Café, 104 Fifth Street. Enjoy a drink and dessert and some tunes by pianist / saxophonist John "Lefty" Munson. You might even bring your dancing shoes!