First Friday in Calumet offers art gallery events Feb. 4

Miniature art works by local artists Leona Blessing (top left and right), Kristyn Blessing (top center), Fredi Tadeucci (second row) and Ed Gray (pottery) are part of the Miniature Show on display at the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet Feb. 4 - March 3, 2011. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- First Friday, Feb. 4, in Calumet will offer three new art gallery events with opening receptions.

Miniature Show opens at Ed Gray Gallery

The Ed Gray Gallery presents the Miniature Show, a juried show, whose pieces are limited to outside dimensions of 5 inches, by 5 inches by 5 inches. Entries cross the spectrum of media, to include pottery, painting, quilting, glass and more. The opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4. Refreshments will be served.

According to artist and Gallery owner Ed Gray, the show has generated much interest among area artists, including some who have never before shown their work in the Gallery. It includes more than 90 pieces.

The Miniature Show will be on display through March 3, 2011. The Ed Gray Gallery is located at 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. Visit the Gallery's Web site for more information.

Vertin Gallery to present works by two artists

The Vertin Gallery is pleased to present the artwork of Melissa Hronkin and Kerri Corser in its newest exhibition, "Transmutations," which will be on display from Feb. 4 through March 3. A public reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4. Refreshments will be served.

"Transmutations" features encaustics and two- and three-dimensional mixed media work with beeswax from Hronkin and oil and gouache paintings from Corser. Their work revolves around the process of change, primarily in an alchemical sense. Corser focuses on the exact moment of change, depicting the movement and magic of an instant. Hronkin’s work explores texture and radial designs as she continues her fascination with the ultimate alchemist, the honeybee.

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, at 220 Sixth Street, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere galleries, featuring art across all mediums including painting, copper, jewelry, sculpture and fine woodworking. The work in the gallery changes frequently and, each month, premiers a new exhibit to feature fresh new artists of the highest quality. For more information on the gallery and upcoming events, please visit www.vertingallery.com or call (906) 337-2200.

Copper Country Associated Artists to host "Bookmaking"

On Feb. 4, be sure to stop in at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) Gallery at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet for another unforgettable First Friday creative experience. Miriam Pickens will be there to help guide you through the making of a handmade, self-decorated book. Your creation could be used as a valentine with photos and verse, recipes for a friend or a pressed flower collection. The possibilities are endless.

Talented CCAA members will assist you as the evening, starting at 6:30 p.m., grows intense until 9 p.m. Materials are provided for the evening, and refreshments are served.

First Friday CCAA demonstrations are an opportunity to discover a variety of arts and fine craft techniques from some of the area’s most talented artists. Visit the CCAA Web site for more information.