Calumet's First Friday, Aug. 2, to feature art exhibits, book signing, receptions, more ...

CALUMET -- Calumet's art galleries offer new exhibits, an art demonstration, a book signing, music and receptions with artists this First Friday, Aug. 2.

Art in Nature Show at Paige Wiard Gallery

Leather and natural stones by artist Dick Davis of Traverse City, Mich. Davis will demonstrate his art during the First Friday reception at the Paige Wiard Gallery Aug. 2. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

The Paige Wiard Gallery will celebrate art in nature this month through the creations of our own Michigan artists. The Art in Nature Show allows artists working in all and any medium an opportunity to display and exhibit their creations to audiences who share a passion for nature.

"We are lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful areas in the country and to have artists that are able to capture the beauty of this wondrous place," notes Paige Wiard, gallery owner. "Dick Davis from Traverse City will be visiting the gallery and demonstrating how leather and natural stones are used to create beautiful and fun bracelets."

An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2 at the Paige Wiard Gallery (formerly Ziyad and Co.), 109 5th Street, Calumet. If you have any questions call 906-335-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com.

Copper Country Associated Artists to honor Jan Manniko and host Steve Brimm book signing

First Friday, Aug. 2, in Calumet is in honor of Jan Manniko who, along with her husband, Tom, was a dear friend to the Arts in Calumet. Her artwork will be featured at most of the galleries, alongside the special featured artists who have openings this month.*

Photography by Steve Brimm. (Photo courtesy Copper Country Associated Artists)

Also, at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) Gallery, Steve Brimm will be signing his new book, Copper Harbor -- Michigan's Northern Most Outpost. He has been photographing the environs of the Copper Harbor area for 20 years and is considered to be one of the top nature photographers in the Lake Superior region. He will be at the CCAA gallery from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on First Friday. For more information, please call 906-337-1252.

Galerie Bohème to exhibit work by Margo McCafferty Rudd

Rudders, by Margo McCafferty Rudd. Mixed media on paper. (Image courtesy Galerie Bohème)

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, Aug. 2, Galerie Bohème will host an opening reception for Margo McCafferty Rudd and the exhibit of her exquisite new works on paper and Herculene.

"So come on UP, down, over, join us and friends for a cup of something -- and the usual assortment of cheese, bread, etc. -- and you may find out what Herculene is," says Galerie Bohème host Tom Rudd.

This exhibit will continue through Sept. 4, 2013. Galerie Bohème is at 423 Fifth Street, Calumet. For more information call Tom Rudd at 906-369-4087.

Omphale Gallery and Café to feature art, music

While you're at the top of Fifth Street, stop in at the Omphale Gallery and Café, 431 Fifth Street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. First Friday for coffee, gourmet treats and a new exhibit, "Inspired by Color: New Work by jd slack and Terry Daulton."

Recording artist Sig Paulson will provide music. For more information visit the Omphale Gallery and Café on Facebook.

UPDATE: Calumet Art Center to offer open studio

The Calumet Art Center at 57055 Fifth Street will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for First Friday in Calumet.

Create your own one-of-a-kind clay mandala. Find your inspiration while touring the center and open studio featuring looms of all types, lamp work bead station, library and writing studio and the clay studio where artists are gearing up for the Empty Bowls Project.

* Editor's Note: Click here to read about artist Jan Manniko, who passed away July 17, 2013.