Calumet galleries to present new exhibits July 1

CALUMET -- On First Friday, July 1, downtown Calumet will be the scene of art events at three galleries.

Ed Gray Gallery

The Ed Gray Gallery will host a one-person show: "Agraria," by Emily Gray Koehler, from July 1 to Aug. 3, 2011. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Refreshments will be served.

The Ed Gray Gallery is at 109 Fifth Street in Calumet.

Vertin Gallery

At the Vertin Gallery, local artist Bob Dawson will exhibit "Further Afield," his abstract watercolors inspired by nature.

Watercolor by Bob Dawson. (Image courtesy Vertin Gallery)

"This painting pictures is a haunting occupation. I often ask myself, why am I doing this? And the correlative question, how will other people relate to it?" writes Dawson in his Artist Statement. "I exercise my muse in an attempt to communicate. I paint because I have to."

Bob Dawson’s work is a conversation between artist and painting. Using shape and color to form ideas, the watercolors speak visually of a philosophic, meditative and spiritual journey. Figures in paint build paragraphs, asking questions, making arguments and drawing conclusions about man’s spiritual relation with nature.

"Every day is a new beginning. Hiking further afield for images with stir my inner-most being and cause me to want to bring them into the light," Dawson explains.

Born in Grand Rapids in 1949, Dawson attended classes at Kendell School of Design and at Michigan Technological University. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science, art major and biology minor. He has worked for the Ontonagon County Road Commission for 31 years plowing snow and grading roads in Misery Bay. Dawson is currently living in Calumet and is an active member with both the Copper Country Associated Artists and the Calumet Art Center.

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, 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 (CCAA)

The CCAA will be presenting a first Friday (July 1st) evening of contour drawing using a variety of sketching materials. Push your powers of seeing to create loose, graceful sketches. This class, taught by the teacher who has taught the teachers -- Nancy McCabe -- starts at 7 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy bakery and coffee.