Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery presents "Wood Song" exhibit Oct. 11 - Nov. 11

"Beaver Pond," by Mark Mitchell, is one of the works being exhibited in the Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery's "Wood Song," an all-wood show, opening today, Oct. 11, and continuing through Nov. 11, 2010. (Photos courtesy Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery)

MICHIGAMME -- From fuel to fantasy, the uses of wood have evolved along with us. Today people who work with wood appreciate its many qualities, beauty and versatility. Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery is presenting "Wood Song," an all-wood show that features nine unique wood artists.

The exhibit opens today, Oct. 11, and will run through Nov. 11, 2010. A reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in the Gallery. Refreshments will be served.

Hans Gottsacker is a senior at Northern Michigan University who explores the tensile strength of wood to create sculptural forms.

John Kinne creates fantasy-inspired wood furniture bejeweled with wood accents.

"Hanna's Chair," by John Kinne.

Tom Larson, an award winning artist, turns wood to reveal the unique patterns in a solid form that blends an artistic touch with the delicate natural grain.

Troy Lichthardt creates tableaus in the art form of intarsia that exploit the grain, color and qualities in various species of wood to render patterns and scenes in wood.

"Woven Table," by Troy Lichthardt.

Mark Mitchell uses wood the way a sculptor might use clay to incorporate natural forms with artistic embellishment. (See photo of his "Beaver Pond" above.)

Seri Robinson applies science to create "bio-art" by artificially inducing spalting -- a form of natural coloration from fungi -- to bring out pattern changes in wood.

"Maple Leaf," by Seri Robinson.

Justin Savu celebrates wood by forming objects that reveal the inherent beauty of wood with minimum manipulation.

Lynn Southward demonstrates the utility of wood in furniture and vessels that have been precisely cut, joined and sanded.

Dave Stimac creates functional art that blends American icons with nature: for example, a bird’s-eye rocking chair tribute to Harley-Davidson or a quilted maple table inset with native copper and other minerals.

"Quilted Maple Table," by Dave Stimac.

The Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery is at 136 E. Main, Michigamme, Mich. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays by appointment. Call 906-323-6546 for more information.