New art by Margo McCafferty and Tom Rudd on exhibit at Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery

MICHIGAMME, MICH. -- New Art by Margo McCafferty and Tom Rudd --Woodcuts, Linocuts, Paintings and Sculptures -- is on exhibit through June 1, 2013, at the Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery, 136 E. Main, Michigamme.

Color reduction woodblock print by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty. (Photo courtesy Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery)

A Sunday Afternoon Reception will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 5. Refreshments will be served.

Margo McCafferty and Tom Rudd, now residents of Calumet, have been producing art together for the last 22 years. Both are influenced by, among other things, Japanese aesthetics, the natural surroundings, and each other’s work. Rudd is for the most part a sculptor, while McCafferty is primarily a painter. Together, the couple collaborate on color reduction woodblock prints.

McCafferty’s still life drawings and trompe l’oeil paintings stem from her fascination with the idea that complex feelings can be represented by arrangements of simple objects.

Presented in heroic proportions, Rudd’s stone and wood fish reflect his interest in the unheralded so-called forage fish. The wing series consists of carved stone works which are larger-than-life depictions that call attention to the beauty and splendor of single bird wings: the albatross, the hummingbird, and the merlin.

The collaborative wood- and linocuts are influenced by the couple's close proximity to Lake Superior. Their work epitomizes the highest caliber of fine art.

Gallery Hours are Sunday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday by chance. For more information call 906-323-6546.

Copper Country Associated Artists to offer garden workshop May 3

CALUMET -- Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) will offer a First Friday project to delight people of any age. Artists will provide small flower pots, seeds and soil so that you can get a start on your summer garden.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Friday, May 3, Dolly Luoma will lead a workshop on painting these terra cotta pots with acrylic paints, and other CCAA members will be on hand to assist. Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. If you have a favorite design you'd like to use, bring that along. All the materials will be provided, and the workshop is free and open to the public.

The CCAA is located at 205 Fifth St in Calumet.

Atlantic Mine bike duo meeting National Bike Challenge

ATLANTIC MINE -- Bike enthusiasts Keren Tischler and Curt Webb of Atlantic Mine have, between them, already logged nearly 1000 miles on their bikes (even in the Keweenaw's long snow season) to reach the top 10 list of the 2013 National Bike Challenge’s warm-up period.

Kurt Webb and Keren Tischler of Atlantic Mine are inspired by the National Bike Challenge to ride their bikes for transportation, work and recreation. (Photo by Judy Foster and courtesy Keren Tischler)

An article on the League of American Bicyclists blog says Tischler and Webb were inspired by this Challenge to use their bikes for "trips to town, work or just for fun." Their goal is to inspire others in their community to use bicycles more often for transportation as well as recreation and better health.*

The National Bike Challenge runs from May 1 to Sept. 30, 2013.

* Click here to read this article about the National Bike Challenge and how it inspired this Tischler and Webb to put Atlantic Mine on the map for biking.

Click here to read more about the Challenge and how you can join and win prizes for riding your bike!

Backroom Boys to play traditional jazz, dance tunes May 3, 5

CALUMET -- The Backroom Boys Trio will play traditional jazz and more from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Café Rosetta this First Friday, May 3.

On Sunday, May 5, the Backroom Boys Jazz Band will be swingin' it out from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the South Range Eagles Hall. Come on up and dance the weekend out.

Galerie Bohème to host new exhibit by Georgi Tsenov opening May 3

Midnight Laundry, by Georgi Tsenov. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

CALUMET -- Galerie Bohème will present "New Works for Spring" by Georgi Tsenov, opening First Friday, May 3, 2013. An opening reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Gallery at 423 Fifth Street, Calumet.

For more information call Tom Rudd at 906-369-4086.

House Natural Resources Committee Agenda for Apr. 30 revised to include SB 288, 289

LANSING -- The Michigan House Natural Resources Committee has posted a notice of a revised agenda for their meeting at 12 Noon TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 30, in Room 307 of the House Office Building, Lansing. Rep. Andrea LaFontaine is the chair of the Committee.

Here is the revised agenda:

SB 16    (Sen. Walker)    Natural resources; wildlife; wildlife violator compact law; modify enforcement provisions. Already passed by the Michigan Senate.

SB 288    (Sen. Casperson)    Natural resources; hunting; natural resources commission ability to designate species as game; provide for. Already passed by the Michigan Senate.

SB 289    (Sen. Casperson)    Natural resources; hunting; right to hunt and fish; provide for. Already passed by the Michigan Senate.

To view text of legislation go to:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=CommitteeBillRecord

Committee Clerk: Joy Brewer
Phone: 517-373-8474
e-Mail: joybrewer@house.mi.gov

Individuals who wish to bring written testimony need to supply a minimum of thirty copies for distribution.

Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting may contact the Chair's office.

Schedule changes or cancellations available at www.legislature.mi.gov or 24 hours at (517) 373-8140.

Notice posted: 4/29/2013.

Calumet First Friday art events to be subject of presentation TONIGHT, Apr. 29, by Michigan Tech students

Landscape Abstract, water color, handmade paper, by Kanak Nanavati, part of the April 2013 First Friday exhibit at Ziyad and Co. (formerly the Ed Gray Gallery). (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- "First Fridays and Community Sustainability," a presentation on Calumet’s popular art gallery open-house program and its impact on the community, will be held at 7 p.m. tonight at the Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters, at 25970 Red Jacket Road in Calumet.

Spring in the Keweenaw I, oil, by Mike Ramos, exhibited at Ziyad and Co. in April 2013. This exhibit included several local artists and their interpretations of spring.

Michigan Tech students will discuss the results of a study they conducted in conjunction with Main Street Calumet and the local art community. Working with several community members, the students focused on the First Friday art tours held the first Friday of each month.

Artist and photographer Miriam Pickens presents a slide show of her photos of Copper Country butterflies on First Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery in Calumet.

During First Fridays, Calumet’s downtown art galleries and cafés are open late into the evening, offer refreshments and occasionally host special programs for the crowds of visitors.

At the presentation, students will discuss how First Fridays benefit the community and possible strategies for making them even more effective.

Artist Georgi Tsenov with one of his paintings, part of a January 2013 group exhibit at the Galerie Bohème in Calumet. An exhibit, "New Works for Spring," devoted to Tsenov's work, will open this First Friday, May 3, at Galerie Bohème with a reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Students in Richelle Winkler’s Rural Community Sustainability seminar conducted the research. The class focuses on what makes communities vibrant and successful socially, economically and culturally, as well as in terms of the environment.

"The students have put in a lot of time and effort, but it’s been very rewarding," said Winkler, an assistant professor of social sciences. "They’ve been engaging with members of the community who are cheering them on and are interested in what we have to say. It’s inspired them to work very hard."

Hand-made historic carpet loom (with peg-locking system construction) donated by Paul and Anita Campbell to the Calumet Art Center. Visitors to the Center use looms to make their own creations. (Photo by Keweenaw Now, taken on First Friday, January 2013)

"I am really excited for the opportunity to present in the community," Winkler added. “The students are proud of what they've put together, and we hope their presentation will spur some dialogue."

Everyone is welcome. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Winkler at rwinkler@mtu.edu.

More First Friday photos:

Spring Bloom I, painted silk, by Edith Wiard. Exhibited at Ziyad and Co., April 2013.

Painted driftwood by Susan Robinson. Exhibited at Ziyad and Co., April 2013.

Seamstress Carol Bird exhibits her butterfly blouse, worn on the occasion of Miriam Pickens' photography presentation of Copper Country butterflies, on First Friday, April 5, 2013, at Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery in Calumet.

Musician and artist Randy Wakeham exhibited his art and played music for visitors to the Omphale Gallery and Café on Fifth Street in Calumet First Friday, April 5, 2013.

Artist Stuart Baird's wood and feather sculptures, on exhibit at the Galerie Bohème in April 2013.

Scientists, wildlife advocates ask legislators to consider science in wolf management

By Michele Bourdieu

Rolf Peterson, Michigan Tech professor emeritus of wildlife ecology, co-director of the Isle Royale wolf-moose study, and internationally known expert on wolves, presents "The Wolves of Isle Royale" during the 2010 "Celebrate the U.P.," in Marquette, sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC). Peterson says Michigan legislators need to pay attention to science in managing wolves. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

MARQUETTE, HOUGHTON -- According to an April 26, 2013, article on Great Lakes Radio News (WKQS FM, Sunny 101.9), the amended version of SB 288 that passed the
Michigan House last week did not include the controversial appropriation that would have disallowed a referendum. A petition signed by more than 250,000 voters against PA 520 -- a December 2012 law making the wolf a game animal -- would not apply to this bill should it become law, but voters could organize a new referendum, the article notes.*

In addition, the Michigan House has now proposed their own version of the bill, HB 4552, which at present still has the appropriations attached. It is not certain when it will come up for discussion in the House Natural Resources Committee.**

Adam Robarge of Marquette, now director of Wildland Guardians -- a Marquette-based grass-roots group advocating for wildlife and wildlife habitat -- was one of the leaders of the petition effort in the Upper Peninsula and attended the April 23 rally in Lansing along with members and supporters of Keep Michigan Wolves Protected and the Humane Society of the U.S.

While in Lansing Robarge spoke with several U.P. legislators in their offices, including 32nd District Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, chair of the Michigan House Committee on Natural Resources; State Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), State Rep. John Kivela (D-Marquette); and 110th District Rep. Scott Dianda's aides, Elise Matz and Danielle Stein, about SB288 and HB4552

Robarge will be speaking on the Sunny 101.9 (FM) Morning Show in Marquette at 8 a.m. this morning, Monday, April 29. He will be discussing SB 288/HB 4552 and the idea of citizen participation.

John Vucetich, Michigan Tech associate professor and wildlife ecologist and co-director of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Study, spoke at the rally in Lansing on April 23, as Robarge reports in his recent guest editorial on Keweenaw Now.*** A video clip of Vucetich's speech is now available through Drop Box.****

Following an April 18 presentation by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Keith Creagh at Michigan Tech, Keweenaw Now had an opportunity to speak with Rolf Peterson, Michigan Tech professor emeritus and co-director with Vucetich of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose study. These two wildlife researchers are internationally known for their scientific knowledge about wolves.

On the subject of a wolf hunting season, Peterson said, "I don't see the best science surfacing at the level of legislation."

As for attaching appropriations to these bills to prevent a referendum, he noted, "It's an obvious effort to subvert democracy."

In the past, Peterson explained (when the wolf was a federally protected species) professionals from the U.S. Department of Agriculture would respond to farmers' complaints about wolf depredation. Those federal Wildlife Services were equipped to address that problem immediately, and the response could include lethal control.

"It's been extremely successful," Peterson said of that program.

Since the wolf was removed from federal protection, however, depredation control is under the states, not federal agencies.

Both Peterson and Vucetich have pointed out that wolf depredation is likely to happen in the summer. Control of these problems really can't wait until a hunting season in the fall.

Peterson said he wished legislators would pay attention to this fact and to the previous success of professional Wildlife Services.

He also noted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receives funding from taxes on sportsmen's firearms and ammunition -- dispersed to the states based on land and the number of hunters.

"Michigan does well," he said. "It's been an enormously successful model for providing the money for wildlife conservation."

The DNR could pay the bills for Wildlife Services personnel to do the job of wolf depredation control, Peterson noted.

"This hunt is not going to substitute for the previously successful Wildlife Services depredation management," he added. "There are professionals able to respond to this problem."

Concerning the plan for a public wolf hunt, Peterson asked, "How do you plan to assess this hunt to determine whether you've succeeded? Probably depredation will never disappear completely."

Keweenaw Now attempted to interview J. R. Richardson, Natural Resources Commission chair, who was also present at the DNR Director's presentation at Michigan Tech.

Richardson, however, did not appear willing to answer questions about wolves. Instead he provided a written statement -- dated April 11, 2013 -- on a DNR plan for a public harvest of wolves in Michigan.

Here is an excerpt from his statement, commenting on a recent proposal from the DNR for a public harvest of wolves:

"The Natural Resources Commission takes seriously its obligations under the law to determine the method and manner of take for game species in the state, including the wolf. This (DNR) proposal is a good starting point for commission conversation. The commission will review the proposal and seek expert advice from inside and outside the department to determine what would be best for the people of the state and for the wolf population and other wildlife populations in Michigan.

"Consistent with the legal authorities vested in the commission that assure scientific game management, this proposal sets the framework for an initial wolf season and allows for the long-term viability of Michigan's wolf population."*****

* See "Wolf Hunt Legislation Passes in Senate with Major Changes."
** Click here to read about HB 4552. Click here for SB 288.
*** See "Guest editorial: There and Back, Again."
**** To access the videos of the rally, click here and sign in to Drop Box. The videos are courtesy Kent County Water Conservation.
***** Click here for the DNR's April 2, 2013, Memorandum to the Natural Resources Commission on Wolf Regulations and Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 6 of 2013.

UPDATE: Click here for the DNR's summary of questions and answers from four public meetings they held in March 2013 across the state to provide information on the potential public harvest of wolves in Michigan and to gather input on the issue.