Handcrafted Jewelry by Beth Millner at Reflection Gallery in April

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host an exhibit of jewelry by silversmith and artist Beth Millner from April 2 to April 23, 2011.

Woodland Forest Pendant, by silversmith and artist Beth Millner. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

An opening reception and artist talk will take place at the Reflection Gallery from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7. The reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

The pieces in Millner’s exhibit, which is titled "Seasonal Transformations in Metal," are inspired by nature. Millner says she finds the creation of miniature images fascinating, and natural elements and the slight variations of hand-wrought designs are common in her work.

Millner’s designs are cut in metal with a hand-held jeweler’s saw. Using hammers, handmade stamps, and other hand tools, she builds texture in her pieces and carefully applies glaze to create contrast. Each edge, surface, and corner is finished by hand.

Woodland Forest Locket, by Beth Millner. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

"Silhouettes from nature are inherent to my designs," Millner notes. "By using figure ground reversal, the viewer perceives something that is visually available only because of its surroundings. Like nature, each part is dependent on the other for mutual existence."

Millner began making jewelry in grade school, learning to craft knotted friendship bracelets, simple beaded designs, and polymer clay beads. She says she has always been interested in arts and crafts; however, she did not pursue art as a career until 2005 when she enrolled in the art program at Northern Michigan University, Marquette. It was in a metals art class at NMU that she discovered her passion for designing and making jewelry.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, Hancock. For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375 or e-mail FinlandiaReflectionGallery@gmail.com.

Portage Library to host "Big Violins for Little People" Apr. 5

HOUGHTON -- Libby Meyer, violinist and instructor, will perform "Big Violins for Little People" from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m, Tuesday, April 5, at the Portage Lake District Library.

Children are invited to a musical introduction to the cello with Copper Country Suzuki Association instructor Maggie Twining and her students. Find out what makes these big instruments so much fun for little people. Following the program, the youths will be able to try out stringed instruments.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Poop Reveals an immigrant in Isle Royale Wolves' gene pool

The large, lighter colored wolf in the center is the immigrant from Canada to Isle Royale dubbed The Old Gray Guy. The wolf to the left is his daughter and mate, who died during 2010. (Photo © and courtesy John Vucetich. Reprinted with permission.)

By Jennifer Donovan, Michigan Tech Director of Public Relations
Posted March 30, 2011, in the Michigan Tech News

HOUGHTON -- In a journal article published online on March 30, 2011, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society and in their 2010-2011 annual report on the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale, Michigan Technological University researchers John A. Vucetich and Rolf O. Peterson tell an unexpected tale of genetic immigration.

In 1997, a virile male wolf crossed an ice bridge from Canada to the remote island national park in northern Lake Superior. He was physically larger than most Isle Royale wolves; and soon after his arrival he became the alpha male of Middle Pack, one of the island’s three packs. As he aged, his fur turned very light, a trait that had not been seen previously on Isle Royale, but has since become common. Before knowing his genetic history, the researchers called this wolf "The Old Gray Guy."

How did Vucetich and Peterson learn so much about The Old Gray Guy? For the past 12 years, they had been systematically collecting scat (poop or droppings) deposited by the wolves. The immigrant wolf was discovered after Vucetich and Peterson collaborated with geneticists Jennifer Adams and Leah Vucetich from Michigan Tech and Phil Hedrick of Arizona State University, to examine the DNA contained within the scat. The geneticists found a scat that carried several alleles -- alternative forms of a gene -- that had not previously been seen in Isle Royale wolves. Through field observations, Peterson and Vucetich confirmed that this scat belonged to The Old Gray Guy. ... Click here to read the rest of this article on the Michigan Tech News.

Ed Gray, Vertin galleries to host First Friday art openings Apr. 1

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet, Apr. 1, will offer new art exhibits and opening receptions at the Ed Gray Gallery and the Vertin Gallery.

Be sure to stop in to see the "Found Objects Show" at the Ed Gray Gallery. The show will open with a reception Friday, Apr. 1, and run through May 4, 2011.

"Found Objects" entry by Mike Ramos. (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery)

This show is interesting in that the artists involved have stretched themselves to create pieces from found objects while their work is typically in other media. While it is a relatively small show, it has some very nice pieces.

The opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 1. Refreshments will be served. The Ed Gray Gallery is at 109 Fifth Street in Calumet.

The Vertin Gallery will host art by Christine Alfery from April 1 - 27, 2011. An opening reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 1. Refreshments will be served.

Alfery hails from Lac Flambeau, Wis., and is an active artist across the nation, participating in exhibitions from Texas to New York. She is a member of a wealth of watercolor and visual art societies, including the Wisconsin Visual Arts Society and the American Watercolor Society.

She works in a variety of paint mediums, including watercolor and acrylic, and creates abstract floral images. Her images seem to grow organically across the canvas in a palette that can only be described as the happiest of colors. Alfery’s exhibit promises to be a patch of spring as we in the U.P. eagerly await the end of winter.

Coming Home by Christine Alfery. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

In her artist statement, Alfery explains the inspiration behind her work: "I paint abstract subject matter. It changes from my own unique, imaginative marvels to common, ordered, statements or to motley complex wonderings every time people interact with it. I cherish these motley complex wonderings. They keep things in motion, perpetual motion. Common unimaginative statements do not."

The Vertin Gallery has new hours: Open Tuesday, Noon to 5; closed Wednesday; open Thursday - Saturday, Noon to 5; closed Sunday and Monday. The Vertin Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Calumet, at 220 Sixth Street.

For more information on the gallery and upcoming events, please visit www.vertingallery.com or call (906) 337-2200.

Khana Khazana Japanese meal on Apr. 1 to benefit earthquake, tsunami victims

HOUGHTON -- "Pray for Japan" is the theme of a benefit Khana Khazana from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Friday, Apr. 1, at the Memorial Union Food Court. Japanese students from Michigan Tech and Finlandia are joining forces to cook traditional Japanese dishes, and half of the proceeds will benefit victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan earlier this month.

Motoyuki Kidokoro, an accounting major at Michigan Tech, and Finlandia students Lei Hirakawa, Aili Natsumushi and Chisato Ohta will prepare Chirashi Zushi (sushi rice with cooked crab, shrimp, egg, shitake mushrooms and carrots), Niku jaga (a traditional Japanese dish made with beef, potatoes, onions and carrots) and Miso soup (a broth called dashi with tofu cubes). A vegetarian entree will also be available.

A full meal costs $6, and each dish is available à la carte for $2. A free fountain soda, tea or coffee comes with a full meal.

Khana Khazana is a weekly ethnic lunch, a collaboration of international students and Michigan Tech Dining Services.

Mauvais Sort from Québec to perform "folk 'n' roll" TONIGHT, Mar. 31, at NMU

MARQUETTE -- The last show of the 2010-2011 Northern Michigan University (NMU) International Performing Arts Series will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, with a performance by the French-Canadian "folk 'n' roll" group, Mauvais Sort. The concert will be held in the Great Lakes Rooms of the Don H. Bottum University Center. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Prices are $6 for any student, $15 for NMU Staff/Faculty/Seniors 60+, and $20 for the general public.

"They’ve just concluded three days of workshops with over 2,000 students in the area. The response from students and teachers has been phenomenal," said Dan Truckey, curator of the Beaumier Heritage Center at NMU.

Mauvais Sort, whose name translates from French to mean "to put a spell on someone," has a musical style which is extremely hard to define, yet unique and true to its traditional roots. By combining traditional lyrics with contemporary musical compositions or by mixing their own original stories with old, folk rhythms, the group will turn your perception of Québec traditional music upside-down.

The band creates a new musical style: Folk 'n' roll. "Folk" for the inspiration, the foot stomping, the accordion, the fiddle, and the guitar; and "roll" for the arrangements, the bass, the drum, the percussion, and the energy. The young band members bring together their exceptional musical talents to delight audiences with a high-quality, high-energy show, infused with a passion for reinventing tradition. The band has performed over 600 concerts in 8 countries (Canada, Belgium, France, Switzerland, England, Scotland, New-Zealand and USA), was nominated at ADISQ for Traditional Album of the Year in 2003 with Jettatura and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Group of the Year with the album Koru in 2006, and has just released a new album that will win the hearts of fans all around the world!

Truckey noted tonight’s show will be filmed for broadcast on WNMU-TV. In fact, most of the group’s visit has been filmed for an hour-long documentary.

"We want a large and enthusiastic audience for not only the band but the cameras as well," Truckey said. "We want to thank Dwight Brady in Communications, his students, and the staff at TV13 for making this possible."

Mauvais Sort is the final Arts Midwest World Fest ensemble to visit Marquette. Arts Midwest World Fest presents international music ensembles in week-long residencies in small and mid-size Midwestern communities. Its purpose is to foster global understanding and appreciation through cultural experiences. The other ensembles which are part of the 2009-11 Program cycle include Agatsuma from Japan, Beauty and Melody from Sichuan Province in China, and The Israeli Ethnic Ensemble.

Free Sahaja meditation classes at Michigan Tech on Thursdays open to all

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech is one of a growing number of American colleges and universities to offer a Sahaja meditation program on campus. The free weekly sessions, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, in the Memorial Union, are open to everyone. This week's meeting is in the Peninsula Room A.

Sahaja meditation can help relieve stress caused by studies or any other pressures, says Pranay Nagar, graduate student in mechanical engineering, who leads the sessions.

"Are you anxious to feel more joy in life?" he asks. If so, he says, please check meditation.

No prior experience or knowledge of meditation and no special equipment or clothing are required to participate. The technique is not physically demanding, and everyone can move at his or her own pace, Nagar said.

For more information, contact Nagar at 906-281-4425 or pnagar@mtu.edu.

Editor's Note: Pranay Nagar demonstrated this meditation recently during International Night. I can only say it made me feel very relaxed. Try it! It's free!

Marquette Road Commission Board to meet on permitting CR 595 for Kennecott mine

ISHPEMING -- The Board of County Road Commissioners of Marquette County, Michigan, will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, March 31. The meeting will be held at the Marquette County Road Commission office, 1610 N. Second Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

The purpose of the special meeting is, but is not limited to, the Marquette County Road Commission/Kennecott agreement for permitting the proposed County Road 595.

Editor's note: For recent information on this road issue see "Regulators Recommend Route for Rio Tinto Road," by Gabriel Caplett, posted Mar. 21, 2011, on Headwaters News. See also our Oct. 25, 2010, article, "Opponents of proposed 'public' mine haul road call for more public input."

Michigan Messenger: Stabenow amendment would block EPA climate regs

By Eartha Jane Melzer
Posted March 30, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has proposed an amendment to small business legislation that would suspend U.S. Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas regulations for two years.

The Senate is expected to vote today on S493, a bill to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs of the Small Business Administration. Read the rest of this article on the Michigan Messenger. ...

Editor's Note: You can send comments to Sen. Stabenow on her Web site www.stabenow.senate.gov or call her at (202) 224-4822.

Juried student exhibit opens at Finlandia Gallery Mar. 31

Sculpture entry in Finlandia University International School of Art and Design juried student exhibit. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- A juried exhibit of artwork by students in the Finlandia University International School of Art and Design (ISAD) is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery, March 31 through April 16, 2011.

Ceramics entry in the ISAD student exhibit.

A reception for the artists will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the gallery, with a fashion show at 7:15 p.m. Awards for student excellence will be presented. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The exhibition includes works by students studying the disciplines of drawing, painting, illustration, ceramic design, fiber arts and fashion design, sculpture, product and interior design, graphic design, digital media, photography, and mixed media/installation.

Drawing entries in the Finlandia student exhibit.

Much of the student artwork featured in the juried exhibit will be available for purchase.

"The opening reception for the juried student exhibit is a highlight of the gallery schedule each year," says Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler. "The gallery will be filled with creative and innovative art, and the fashion show is out-of-this world."

Fashion entries in the ISAD student exhibit. The March 31 reception will include a fashion show, beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Flaspohler adds that the jury -- made up of a faculty member, a graduating ISAD senior, and a community member -- spends hours selecting the final pieces.

Illustration entries in the Finlandia juried student exhibit.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St., downtown Hancock.

For information, contact the Finlandia University Gallery at 906-487-7500.

Northern Lights Film Festival to be Mar. 31-Apr. 2

HOUGHTON -- The seventh annual Northern Lights Film Festival celebrates original filmmaking with three days of independent film screening, March 31 through April 2. This year’s festival will be held at the McArdle Theatre in the Walker Arts and Humanities Building at Michigan Tech. It will feature the recent documentaries GASLAND, ERASING DAVID and WASTE LAND, as well as a number of other independent features and short films.

Read about the festival in the March 30, 2011, issue of Tech Today.

Updated: Governor asked to halt all activity at Eagle Mine site

MARQUETTE -- Representatives of WAVE (Water Action Vital Earth), a new grassroots environmental coalition, met today with Greg Andrews, Governor Snyder’s Upper Peninsula representative. They brought a letter to the governor, calling for an immediate halt to construction of the Eagle Mine on the Yellow Dog Plains.

Since last summer, berms and a fence surround Eagle Rock, the intended portal for Rio Tinto-Kennecott's Eagle Mine -- a projected sulfide mine for nickel and copper near Big Bay, Mich. Eagle Rock is a sacred site of the Ojibwa people. (Photo courtesy Stand for the Land)

WAVE asks that EPA mining experts prepare an impact study that encompasses all aspects of the Eagle Project, including mining, transport, and milling of ore. WAVE contends that the environmental impact statement funded and prepared by Kennecott Minerals did not meet the requirements of the new law regulating nonferrous metallic sulfide mining in Michigan.

Accompanying the letter were petitions signed by over 15,000 persons, including doctors and health care professionals who oppose development of the mine because of the risks posed to the region’s water resources and to the health of people dependent upon it.

London-based Rio Tinto, aggressively anti-union, is developing the mine under the subsidiary name Kennecott Minerals. Despite numerous pending lawsuits, Kennecott has acquired the necessary permits and may soon begin excavating the mine. The portal is to be blasted through Migi zii wa sin (Eagle Rock), a Native American sacred site, an act akin to blowing up a church, synagogue or temple to the Ojibwe tribe.

A Native American flag flies from the top of Eagle Rock, overlooking a camp of Native and non-Native opponents of the mine who occupied the site until ordered to leave by local police in May 2010. Two Native campers were arrested, one while praying on the Rock. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

According to WAVE spokesperson Catherine Parker, "The mine puts surface water, ground water and air quality at risk -- along with the numerous and permanent jobs that come from the current recreation and tourism businesses."

She adds that the flawed process demonstrated by the permitting of the Eagle Mine sets a dangerous precedent, especially with the recent increase in mining exploration in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Testimony from doctors and public health professionals makes it clear that health is a key concern, especially for our children, seniors and future generations. To date, the state has chosen to ignore the potential health impact on the region; and WAVE hopes that Governor Snyder will change that.

They are requesting an in-person meeting with Governor Snyder to discuss their concerns.

Parker explained that the choice facing the Governor -- whether to halt the mine’s development or allow the portal to be blasted -- will impact the health of people in the Upper Great Lakes Region.

"This is Governor Snyder’s opportunity to take a long term view of what is best for Michigan’s citizens and not jump at the fast money and short term economic gain represented by the Eagle Mine’s development," Parker said.

WAVE is a new grassroots coalition of individuals and representatives of environmental, health, and citizen groups around the Great Lakes Region. Its mission is to protect our water resources as part of a sustainable future.

Update: Click here to read the letter to Gov. Snyder, posted on Save the Wild UP.

Photographer Adam Johnson to present "Art Through the Eyes of an Engineer" Mar. 29

HOUGHTON -- Global City -- a Michigan Tech campus organization that brings together graduate students, undergraduates and faculty to share knowledge and experiences about global issues and cultural diversity -- will present "Art Through the Eyes of an Engineer" by Adam Johnson from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Tuesday, March 29, in 138 Fisher Hall.

Photographer Adam Johnson and his daughter Kora warm up on a January day in the Fifth and Elm Coffee House in Houghton. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Johnson's background is mechanical engineering, and he uses the camera itself as an engineering tool. He says that photography offers another method of observation and
communication for research or personal enlightenment. Johnson will talk about creating imagery, capturing imagery, and how to manipulate each for the story you are trying to tell. He will field technical and artistic questions through a discussion on a number of selected images. He is assistant director of corporate development in Michigan Tech's Office of Development and owner-operator of Brockit photography in Hancock. To see his photography visit his Web site.

Pizza and drinks will be provided. Please bring your own cup/mug to minimize waste.

For information on Global City, visit their Web site.

Houghton Dems to rally in solidarity with labor against Gov. Snyder Apr. 2

HOUGHTON -- The Houghton County Democratic Party (HCDP) and labor unions of the Upper Peninsula will rally together at the Bridge for Unity Walk in downtown Houghton on Saturday, April 2, beginning at 12 noon. Common citizens will unite to protest Gov. Rick Snyder’s plan to starve rural communities, close schools, cancel labor contracts, and sell Michigan’s government to the highest corporate bidder.

Concerned citizens who wish to join the Bridge for Unity Walk are asked to meet at noon at the boat launch at the foot of the Portage Lift Bridge, across from the Powerhouse in Houghton. The event is expected to last until 2:30 p.m. After the march, participants are invited to meet at the Keweenaw Brewing Company for more rallying, camaraderie and warmth.

Demonstrators will march in support of seniors, working families, union members, students, and everyone whose quality of life is threatened by Gov. Rick Snyder’s irresponsible policies. Specifically, Democrats object to provisions of Gov. Snyder’s proposed budget that would eliminate the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for Michigan’s working poor, tax seniors’ pensions and eliminate tax breaks on charitable donations to public universities, while extending $1.8 billion in tax breaks to corporations.

According to Michigan Department of the Treasury data, taxpayers in Baraga, Ontonagon, Keweenaw and Houghton counties saved a combined $1,716,366 with the EITC in the 2009 tax year; an estimated 3,975 filers qualified for the credit.

"Snyder’s budget places an unfair burden on Michigan’s most vulnerable groups, many of whom live in the Copper Country. I think it’s important to tell State Rep. Matt Huuki and State Sen. Tom Casperson that they need to represent their constituents, not Republican bosses in Lansing," said protest organizer Elise Matz.

Additionally, the HCDP, teachers and public employees are angry about the new Michigan law that allows Gov. Snyder to appoint a financial manager to cash-strapped school districts, cities and municipalities. The financial manager has unilateral power to dismiss elected officials, break union contracts and sell public assets without oversight or voter approval. The law is particularly unfair given that the governor wants to drastically slash education spending and state contributions to municipal budgets.

Questions? Email elisematz@gmail.com. Click here for a Facebook link about the march.

Sen. Stabenow, women colleagues introduce resolution on women’s rights in North Africa, Middle East

WASHINGTON --Following weeks of tumult and protests in North Africa and the Middle East, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), along with her 16 female Senate colleagues, is acting to emphasize the vital importance of women’s rights and political participation as leaders in North Africa and the Middle East consider constitutional reforms and shape new governments.

In a resolution introduced today, March 28, 2011, the 17 Senators are reaffirming their commitment to representative and responsive democratic governments that respect women’s rights and are calling on leaders in North Africa and the Middle East to include women when it comes to making decisions that will affect their lives.

Along with Sen. Stabenow, lead sponsor Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-California), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Barbara Boxer (D-California), Kay Hagan (D-North Carolina), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana), Jeanne Shaheen (D- New Hampshire), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire), Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) have all joined in cosponsoring the resolution.

According to reports, while women have sacrificed and peacefully protested side by side with men in nations throughout North Africa and the Middle East, there are signs that women are increasingly being sidelined from the formation of new governments. In Tunisia, according to press reports, only two women have been appointed to the transitional government; and in Egypt, not a single woman has been appointed to the council in charge of revamping the constitution. Senator Stabenow and her colleagues believe it is vital that women be included in making choices that will affect their lives.

"The men and women of many nations in North Africa and the Middle East have banded together to oppose oppression and unrepresentative governments. New governments arising from these movements that do not foster the full participation of women are not truly representative and are not full departures from old regimes," said Senator Stabenow. "Women must have equal rights if new governments are to reflect the ideals of the movements that spawned them."

Senator Snowe noted the participation of women is essential to the success and stability of any government.

"The spirit and devotion exemplified by women in North Africa and the Middle East -- and the ongoing challenges they continue to face -- is both an inspiration to us all and a reminder that discrimination and gender-based violence endures around the world. I honor their commitment to ensuring future generations enjoy the guaranteed equality and basic human rights for which they endeavor to this day and remain steadfast in my commitment to these universal liberties," said Senator Snowe.

NO April Fool! Free month of Keweenaw Now advertising for new customers

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now is offering a special "NO April Fool" free month of advertising (all of April 2011 FREE) on our site for new business customers who order a 3-, 6- or 12-month ad by Friday, Apr. 1, 2011. Send us your logo as soon as possible this week so we can post it by Apr. 1 and you will enjoy 4 months for the price of 3 ($100), 7 months for the price of 6 ($200), or 13 months for the price of 12 ($400). For example, if you order a 6-month ad now and pay the invoice by Apr. 15, your ad will run through the end of October, 2011 -- 7 months for the price of 6!

Logos are a maximum of 218 pixels wide (heights vary), but in most cases we can adjust the size of your logo. Please email it as a jpeg attachment to us at keweenawnews@gmail.com and let us know how many months you would like to purchase. If you wish, for no extra charge, the ad can include a sentence or two for updates or additional text below the ad. See examples in our right-hand column.

If you don't have a logo, send us your ideas and we can possibly make you one!

Email your request and your logo to keweenawnews@gmail.com. Don't miss this great opportunity! (We reserve the right to be selective about products advertised.)

THE PEKING ACROBATS® to perform Mar. 29 at Rozsa

The spectacular PEKING ACROBATS® will perform at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Mar. 29, at the Rozsa Center. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos courtesy Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts)

HOUGHTON -- Bring the whole family to the Rozsa Center at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Mar. 29, to see the amazing PEKING ACROBATS®! The Copper Country audience will be treated to feats of acrobatic grace and agility, thrilled by high-wire walking, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics.

Since 1958, this elite group has toured the world over, leaving audiences spellbound by the graceful presentation of their ancient folk art, acrobatics. Carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, these gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers transform 2000-year-old athletic disciplines into an all-ages kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder.


Since their Western debut in 1986, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. They push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats, showcasing tremendous skill and ability.


The performers are often accompanied by live musicians skillfully playing traditional Chinese instruments and high-tech special effects that coalesce with the music and awe-inspiring feats to create an exuberant entertainment event featuring all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival! 2011 marks the 25th Anniversary of THE PEKING ACROBATS® touring North America.

Ticket prices for the general public are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $14 for students. To purchase tickets contact Michigan Tech Ticketing Services at the Rozsa Box Office at (906) 487-3200, the Central Ticket Office (SDC) at 487-2073 or go online at tickets.mtu.edu. No refunds, exchanges, or late seating, please.

Main Street Calumet event rescheduled for Apr. 5

CALUMET -- The Main Street Calumet presentation titled "Making the Most of Calumet's Downtown Events" has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 5, at the Village of Calumet Council Chambers, 340 6th Street, Calumet. Downtown Calumet business owners, staff, and any residents wishing to be a part of Calumet's downtown events are invited to attend.

Mary Lee Stotler, Michigan Main Street Program promotion specialist, will present ideas geared to the interests of Calumet business people and event organizers.

Admission to this event is FREE! For more information call Main Street Calumet at 906-337-MAIN (6246) or visit the Main Street Calumet Web site for details.

Editor's Note: This event was originally scheduled for Mar. 24. Keweenaw Now just received notification of the Apr. 5 rescheduling today.

Headwaters: Tribal sovereignty, Wisconsin mining issues discussed

By Casey Duncan
Posted March 24, 2011

ASHLAND, WIS. -- The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College in Ashland, Wis., recently hosted presentations on Native American culture, as part of Native American Awareness Week. The first two-hour session featured presentations by GLIFWC (Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission) Policy Analyst and Attorney Kekek Jason Stark and University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse Professor Al Gedicks. A crowd fluctuating between roughly 40 and 60 people heard about tribal sovereignty and a proposal to mine the Penokee Range of Ashland and Iron Counties in northern Wisconsin. Click here to read this article on Headwaters News.

New slide show: Youth Art, March 2011

Petroglyphs Coming Alive by Mary Anne Helppi. CLK Elementary, Grade 1. This is one of many works of art by young Copper Country artists on display in the March Youth Art Exhibit at the Community Arts Center in Hancock. (Photo courtesy Bonnie Loukus, Arts Center assistant director.)

HANCOCK -- See our new Keweenaw Now slide show, "Youth Art, March 2011." These photos are samples of the March Youth Art exhibit still on display at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock through this Thursday, March 31. The Youth Gallery and the Kerredge Gallery are filled floor to ceiling with amazing youth art.

Thanks to Bonnie Loukus, Community Arts Center assistant director, for sharing these photos with Keweenaw Now.

To view the slide show, click on any photo in the top right corner of this page. Above the large photo click View All; then, at the top left, click Slideshow. Or click here now to go to the View All page in Picasa and click on Slideshow.

Great Lakes Showcase Exhibit opens Mar. 28 at Rozsa

HOUGHTON -- The community is invited to the Great Lakes Showcase of Fine Arts and Crafts, a juried exhibition featuring the work of nearly 50 regional artists. The exhibition will open at 7 p.m. Monday, March 28, in the Rozsa Gallery, which is located on the lower level of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Tech.

The Great Lakes Showcase exhibition opens with a reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 28. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The opening will feature the awards announcement.

Awards of over $2,000 will be made to participating artists for outstanding achievement in a variety of categories: Best of Show (2-D and 3-D), $500; First Place (2-D and 3-D), $200; Second Place (2-D and 3-D), $100; Third Place (2-D and 3-D), $70; Honorable Mention (6 awards), $50; Community Choice Award, $150.

The exhibit will continue until April 29. Hours of the exhibit are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday.