First Friday in Calumet April 1 to offer new exhibits, workshops, poetry, more

Art by Robin Rastello will be exhibited at Café Rosetta in April. On First Friday, April 1, the café will also host a Poetry Reading at 6:30 p.m. (Photo courtesy Café Rosetta)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet is NO April Fool. Galleries will be open Friday evening, April 1, to welcome the public to new exhibits, art activities and more.

Vertin Gallery: Youth Arts exhibit

The April exhibition in The Vertin Gallery Art and Antiques celebrates Youth Arts Month with "History in the Making -- An Immigrant Story." The public is invited to a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 1.

This collaboration between Keweenaw National Historical Park, CLK Schools, and The Vertin Gallery features the work of the 18 CLK 3rd grade Keweenaw Youth Historians. On display are puppets that represent local members of the area with historic significance, created during national Youth Arts Month by this group of young artists with upcycled materials supplied by The Vertin Gallery.

Fine art, antiques, jewelry, and gifts from local artists and collectors will be featured including vintage, industrial chic, bohemian, mid-century modern and classic retail items available for the style-minded shopper. The Vertin Gallery is located on the corner of 6th and Oak Street in downtown Calumet.

Paige Wiard Gallery: Gallery Artist Show

"Salt and Pepper" by Meredith Krell. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

For the month of April, the Paige Wiard Gallery, 109 Fifth St., will be showcasing art work by the many artists that make the Paige Wiard Gallery so special. So stop in the gallery for an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, and take the time to view not just the April show but the whole gallery. Please call 906-337-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com with any questions.

Calumet Art Center: Clay Whistle Workshop

Calumet Art Center First Friday. (Poster courtesy Calumet Art Center)

Celebrate spring at the Calumet Art Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday, April 1. A Clay Whistle Workshop will be open to all ages from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at a cost of $5 per person. Did you know that you can turn mud into music? Participants will learn how to create a whistle out of clay. Fun for persons of all ages!

Looking for something to do while the snow melts and the mud dries up? Sign up for one or more of the exciting classes the Calumet Art Center has planned for April. Click here for details.

Cross Country Sports: "Watercolors Now and Then"

For the month of April, Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak Street, will host a show titled "Watercolors Now and Then," featuring old favorites and new works by Bob Dawson.

"I love painting watercolors," Dawson writes. "I am often inspired by other peoples’ paintings. Works that appear to be spontaneous, transparent and loosely painted appeal to me most. There’s some mystery connected to viewing paintings made with water on paper. Maybe the viewer wants (subconsciously) to enter into the process and start painting them? I certainly look forward to doing more of these watercolors myself."

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 1, the public is invited to the opening of the show and a chance to talk to Bob about his work. Beverages and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 337-4520, visit their Web site or find them on Facebook.

Copper Country Associated Artists: Embroidery Workshop

Embroidery stitches. (Photo courtesy Copper Country Associated Artists)

Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA), 205 Fifth St., will host a mini Embroidery Workshop from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 1. Karen Secor, a gallery artist member, will demonstrate some techniques and help you get started. Learn several basic embroidery stitches and explore ways to incorporate them into a completed work. Materials will be provided or bring your own. Donations appreciated.

Hahn Hammered Copper: "Collections"

Stop by Hahn Hammered Copper, 203 Fifth St., this First Friday to see "Collections" of cool stuff -- Art, Copper Things, Antiques, Nifty Bottles, Brass Hardware, Clothespin Angels, Found Objects, Ornaments, Ancient Rocks, Weird Gizmos, Wooden Balls in Tiny Boxes, and so much more! See you in downtown Calumet this First Friday!

Café Rosetta: Poetry and Art

Paintings such as this one by Robin Rastello are on exhibit through April at Café Rosetta. (Photo courtesy Café Rosetta)

Café Rosetta, 104 Fifth St., will host an exhibit of art by Robin Rastello during April. On First Friday, April 1, the café will also be open for a Poetry Reading at 6:30 p.m.

Artist Robin Rastello says her painting is inspired by her work making soft sculptured dolls.

"I painted the faces on these dolls. And after learning how to do these, I started making my own patterns and dolls, which would often take a month to create," Rastello says. "After a few years I started thinking that if I could paint a face on a doll, why not on canvas. That was probably 10 or so years ago. Once I got started I never looked back. I love mixed media because it allows me more room to experiment and play. I started out just painting angels -- more folk art style at first -- moved to women and children and then to landscapes and a few cityscapes. I love playing around with the different mediums -- feels much like a kid in a candy store. I am not a formally trained artist, but I have taken a few online classes, get info from books, mistakes, happy accidents. And those ahha moments. My painting has evolved into painting more in the whimsical and abstract."

First Friday, April 3, in Calumet to offer art, music, poetry, more ...

Mask of amphibious cat, sculpture by Tom Rudd. Read the story behind the mask below! (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet, April 3, 2015, will offer new exhibits, art activities, music, refreshments and more.

Galerie Bohème: "More Good Art" and story of cat sculpture

Galerie Bohème will exhibit "More Good Art," a presentation of new works by local artists. The opening reception for this April exhibit will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, April 3.

Artist and Galerie Bohème host Tom Rudd recounts this story behind his cat sculpture, part of the new exhibit:

"On a perfectly calm summer day I had the good fortune to canoe Lake Superior, specifically the inside passage between Eagle Harbor and Esrey Park on the windward side of the Keweenaw Peninsula. I paddled and drifted between submerged rocks, dodged ancient basalt outcroppings and small islands.

"Just east of the largest small island I came upon something startling and exciting.

"For the past many decades I have searched for the true Lake Superior monster, and here stretched out on the rocks in front of me were the ghostly remains of the very beast.

Lake monster ghostly remains. (Photo courtesy Tom Rudd)

"Questioning the life of this critter I came to the conclusion that this had been a cat, an amphibious cat! I decided to render my impression of the amphibian creature in the form of a mask to at least give her a face. Perhaps later I will guess the remaining anatomy, the life style, feeding habits, etc., of the aquatic feline.

"So for now check out the mask that scared the bejeepers out of our cat."

Galerie Bohème is at 423 5th Street in Calumet. Call 906-369-4087 for more information.

Paige Wiard Gallery: "Poetry Takes Flight"

Poets have a long association with birds and bird song, and in appreciation of National Poetry Month Paige Wiard Gallery is hosting a special First Friday literary event. Local author, Laura Smyth, will be on hand from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to sign copies of her newly released poetry chapbook, Wandering In My Mind (Finishing Line Press, 2015).

Laura Smyth left years of urban existence behind for life on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. Her poetry is often inspired by the intersection of human nature and the natural world. She holds an MFA from Columbia University, has published in online and print journals and anthologies, and is a founding member of the Keweenaw Writers Workshop. She is also a book designer by profession and the owner of Smythtype Design.

Inset photo: Cover for Laura Smyth's poetry chapbook, Wandering In My Mind. Reprinted with permission.

The gallery will also feature a special show of paintings, photographs, sculpture and prints of all things birds by some of the gallery's best artists.

Woodpecker, by Ladislav Hanka. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

The Paige Wiard Gallery is at 109 Fifth Street in Calumet. For additional information, please call 906-337-5970, or check out www.paigewiardgallery.com.

Calumet Art Center: "Sock Puppet Workshop"

If you are young at heart and enjoy a cool project, stop by the Calumet Art Center between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to join a "Sock Puppet Workshop" led by Anna Ehl. From socks to inspiration, all necessary ingredients will be provided, and donations are accepted but not required. While you’re at the Art Center, explore the ongoing projects and check out the upcoming class offerings. For more information, call 934-2228 or check out the website at http://calumetartcenter.com/.

The Calumet Art Center is at 57055 Fifth Street.

Copper Country Associated Artists: Flint Knapping Demonstration

Artist Steve Hecht will demonstrate the ancient art of flint knapping from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) gallery, 205 Fifth Street. Learn about selecting good stones and creating arrowheads using techniques that have been passed down through the centuries. Check out the new works by CCAA artists, and sign up for classes being offered this spring. For more information, call 337-1252 or check out the website at ccaartists.org.

Hahn Hammered Copper: Vintage Copper

Stop in at Hahn Hammered Copper this Good First Friday and see what’s "new" in old copper! Examine some very nice vintage Cobre copper pieces hand-crafted in Mexico and, as always, the Hahns' very own hand-hammered copper. See also their ever evolving assortment of odd and unusual items. Come in and nibble on a cookie and have a sip of tea at Hahn Hammered Copper.

Hahn Hammered Copper is at 203 Fifth Street.

Cross Country Sports: New for Spring

See what’s new for spring at Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak Street!  Photography by Jeremy Rowe and Eric Ollis; pottery by Jess Kane and Elaine Eikenberry; and jewelry by Heather Mroz, Jen Szubielak and Annele Sakari will be featured this First Friday.

Café Rosetta: Poetry and Art

In addition to the regular First Friday Open Mic Poetry reading from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Café Rosetta, 104 Fifth Street, will feature works by local artist Laura Cooley. Her work focuses mainly on single subjects in a contemporary style using acrylics.

Omphale Restaurant and Gallery: Food, Art and Live Music by the Backroom Boys

The Omphale Restaurant will feature a great mix of appetizers and entrées and live music by the Backroom Boys from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. "Lake and Sky," a multimedia exhibition by K Carlton Johnson will be featured in the gallery.

The Omphale Restaurant and Gallery is at 431 Fifth Street in Calumet.

First Friday in Calumet TONIGHT offers new exhibits, poetry, photography, more ...

Woodcut color reduction by Tom Rudd and Margo McCafferty. On exhibit at the Galerie Bohème in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet will offer new art exhibits, poetry, a photography workshop and tasty treats in the galleries, cafés and studios.

Galerie Bohème: New and previous work by local artists

Galerie Boheme will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, Feb. 6, with new and previous works by Margo McCafferty, Georgi Tsenov, Cynthia Coté, Tom Rudd and others.

"Come to the first Friday events in Calumet and visit us at Galerie Bohème for a cuppa, a slice of cheese to go with the fresh bread and plenty of chatter from friendly faces," says host Tom Rudd.

Galerie Bohème is located at 423 Fifth St. in Calumet.

Café Rosetta: Poetry and Art

Café Rosetta is hosting a Poetry Reading at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, as well as a reception for Lena Wilson, a mixed-media watercolorist and sketch artist. With liberal use of color, the human form and natural and abstract elements, her artwork plays on the mysterious, but possible properties of cosmic energy.

Café Rosetta is at 104 Fifth St.

Paige Wiard Gallery: Colors of Winter

Pastel by Michelle Wegler. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

Visit the Paige Wiard Gallery to bring a little color into your winter days! For the month of February artists will be displaying their visions of winter color. From bright sunset colors reflecting off the snow to shades of grey from shadow, see how artists view the colors of winter. An opening reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in the Gallery at 109 5th St.

For more information call 906-337-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com. Stop in and add a little winter color to your day.

Hahn Hammered Copper: Found Object Art and more ...

Stop in at Hahn Hammered Copper to see what's new in Art Copper and Found Object Art. You are sure to find something for your taste and for your budget at Hahn Hammered Copper, 203 Fifth St. in Calumet!

Calumet Art Center: Studio art projects

Old Mission twiner Teri Gray-Keenan enjoys twining a rug while streaming movies. Teri is the daughter of ceramic artist Ed Gray, Calumet Art Center executive director. (Photo courtesy Calumet Art Center)

The Calumet Art Center welcomed the New Year with a busy schedule of workshops. During the February First Friday, visitors can see the ongoing projects.

Ed Gray has been helping adult students discover "The Spirit of Clay" in a vessel building class. The weaving class has created manycolorful rugs which will be on display. Explore the beautiful sewn gift bags crafted for students of the knitting class. Touring the studio spaces at the Calumet Art Center is a great way to find inspiration for a project.

For more information, call 906-934-2228 or check out the website at www.calumetartcenter.com. The Calumet Art Center is at 57055 Fifth Street.

Cross Country Sports: Jewelry by by Annele Sakari

For the month of February, Cross Country Sports will feature jewelry by Annele Sakari -- Hello Starling Designs. Annele creates fine silver and pure copper jewelry using precious metal clay, a medium consisting of very fine particles of precious metals mixed with an organic binder and water.  During kiln firing, the binder burns off leaving only the pure, sintered metal behind. Often drawing inspiration from the local geography and nature, her beautiful designs include images of Lake Superior, the Upper Peninsula, ferns and flowers.

Visit Cross Country Sports at 507 Oak Street for an open house from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. First Friday. Meet Annele and enjoy refreshments while viewing samples of her art.

Copper Country Associated Artists: Photography Workshop with Mark Upton

Mark Upton, local photographer and Copper Country Associated Artists member from Allouez, Mich., will present a "How To" on Photography on First Friday, Feb. 6. Here is the schedule:

6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. -- Camera basics, equipment and use
6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. -- Action photography -- Copper Dog
7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. -- Long Exposure photography -- Northern Lights
7:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. -- Open Questions and Answers

All ages are welcome to join this event. No reserved seating is required -- join the fun! Bring your camera along for any questions you might have.

For more info contact Pamela Hecht, CCAA First Friday program chair, at 337-2274. The Gallery, at 205 Fifth St., is closed during the winter months EXCEPT for 1st Friday Events.

Calumet Art District to offer Omphale Reopening plus art exhibits, activities, receptions for First Friday, Jan. 2

American Copper. This butterfly photo by Miriam Pickens is part of "The Butterfly Show" at the Omphale Gallery and Café, which will reopen on First Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. (Photo courtesy Miriam Pickens)

CALUMET -- The Calumet Art District welcomes 2015 with a wide array of Gallery Shows and the reopening of the famous Omphale Gallery and Café this First Friday, Jan. 2.

Omphale Gallery and Café: Reopening, "Butterfly Show," live music

The Omphale Gallery and Café, at 431 Fifth St. in Calumet, is reopening with a new menu and a special First Friday meal, courtesy of Chef Mike Porter of the Eagle Café (Eagle Harbor) and the Miscowaubik Club.

During January and February, the Omphale gallery will feature "The Butterfly Show" with works by Karen Runvik and Miriam Pickens. Karen fills her transparent watercolors with vibrant colors and light as she enjoys capturing the essence of the beauty of flowers and their pollinators. She currently spends her time at her woodland studio in the the Baraga area. Miriam has been taking close-up photos of the butterflies of the Maasto Hiihto trails in Hancock. She has photographed over 50 species and incorporates these and other delightful creatures in her work with ceramics.

Art by Karen Runvik, part of "The Butterfly Show" at the Omphale Gallery and Café. (Image courtesy Miriam Pickens)

The two will be presenting their works this First Friday evening, Jan. 2. During the Opening, enjoy the live music, visit with the artists and view their matted photographs, prints and portfolios. Please call Chef Mike at 235-9191 for more information.

Update: According to their Facebook page, the Omphale is now called the Omphale Restaurant and Gallery. Reservations are appreciated for dinner. Visit their Facebook page for the tentative menu.

Calumet Art Center: Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 2

The Calumet Art Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on First Friday, Jan. 2, but will be closed for the evening. Karena Schmidt is offering a felted mittens class on Thursday evenings in January and February, and there are still a few openings. The staff at the Calumet Art Center wishes you a Happy New Year, and will see you at First Friday in February. For more information call 934-2228.

Paige Wiard Gallery: Opening Reception

Art by Jerry Eppel, on exhibit at the Paige Wiard Gallery. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

For the month of January the Paige Wiard Gallery, 109 Fifth St., will be showing work from the talented artists that can be found in the gallery every day! Stop in and show your support for the artists that make this gallery so special. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday, Jan. 2. For more information call 906-337-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com.

Galerie Bohème: Group show

This lovely doll by Margo McCafferty and Tom Rudd is part of the group show now at the Galerie Bohème in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème.)

Galerie Bohème is pleased to bring you a group show featuring multiple local artists. Check out the six-foot-long sturgeon that Tom Rudd just completed. The opening reception will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 906-369-4087.

Galerie Bohème is at 423 Fifth St. in Calumet.

Copper Country Associated Artists : Dry wall carving

Dry wall carving will be the featured activity at Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) for First Friday, Jan. 2. Learn how to create a beautiful carved tile from a material that is readily available as scrap. As this requires the use of exacto-knives, participants will be restricted to older teens and adults. All materials will be provided, and the activity will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

During the winter, the CCAA Gallery will be open most Thursdays from 11 a.m. - noon and on first Fridays from about 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as well as for special events such as the Copperdog 150.

The CCAA Gallery is at 205 Fifth St. Call 337-1252 for more information.

Cross Country Sports: Art by Greg Green

For the month of January, Cross Country Sports will feature new works by Calumet master painter Greg Green. His new paintings, titled "Winter, Buddha, and a Trip to the Circus," celebrate paint, shapes and color in an abstract expressionist style. Enjoy an open house, refreshments and talk with Greg from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.

Cross Country Sports is at 507 Oak Street in Calumet.

Hahn Hammered Copper: New found objects

Hahn Hammered Copper will be participating in the Marquette-based "100 Day Project" again this year. The Hahns will be "Exploring Beauty" in the found object and will have new works on display monthly from now until the Spring Equinox. Stop in on First Friday and help guess the little brass Mystery Object. Whatever your taste, you're sure to find something at Hahn Hammered Copper, 203 Fifth Street.

Café Rosetta: Poetry Reading; art by Chris Schmidt

Café Rosetta is pleased to host a Community Poetry Reading and Original Short Stories, open mic beginning at 6 p.m. on First Friday, Jan. 2.

During the month of January, the art of Chris Schmidt, longtime bicycle racer and avid photographer, will be featured. Inspired by the Tour de France, Schmidt has been photographing races and creating posters, flyers and t-shirts. A winter collection of skiing and cycling images in photography and graphic art will be on display at Café Rosetta, 104 Fifth Street, during January.

First Friday in Calumet to offer new art exhibits, activities Oct. 3

Explorer, by Cynthia Coté, from her exhibit "When I was in Iceland," opening Oct. 3 at Galerie Bohème in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet -- Oct. 3, 2014 -- promises to offer some great new gallery art openings for the month of October and art activities open to all. Here is the line-up:

Paige Wiard Gallery: "Small Things: Animal Sculptures and Sketchbook Drawings" by Joyce Koskenmaki

 

Doll sculpture by Joyce Koskenmaki, now on exhibit at the Paige Wiard Gallery in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

Joyce Koskenmaki is the featured artist for the month of October at the Paige Wiard Gallery. For years Koskenmaki has had an interest in the making, history and meaning of dolls. In her research into different cultures, she has found dolls have great power and deep meaning for many people.

While she has taught people how to make dolls at the college level, Koskenmaki says she now makes them for herself.

"Because I am an artist, they are serious sculptures," Koskenmaki says. "But, as dolls, they take on identities of their own; and I find they are capable of providing comfort and friendship, as dolls have done through the ages. I make the heads from clay, fire and paint them, and make bodies from cloth and sticks. I let them shape their own identities as I work, not starting with preconceptions. Each one is different and I feel a connection with them all."

For her "Small Things" show, Joyce has combined her dolls with sketches form old sketchbooks of things that have inspired her: trees, waterfalls and animals.

Sketch by Joyce Koskenmaki. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

"The sketchbook drawings are ones I have chosen to accompany the dolls," Koskenmaki explains. "It has been fun to go back and look through my old sketchbooks, finding things I wanted to work on longer to develop into finished drawings. They are a kind of mini-retrospective of subjects that have interested me: trees, waterfalls, animals -- and through them all, abstractions, all in pen and ink or pencil."

An opening reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Paige Wiard Gallery, 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. Please call 906-337-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com with any questions.

Galerie Bohème: "When I was in Iceland" by Cynthia Coté

Art by Cynthia Coté from her exhibit "When I was in Iceland." (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

Galerie Bohème will present "When I was in Iceland," new works by Cynthia Coté, opening with a public reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3.

Cynthia's intriguing pen and ink, and colored pencil drawings were produced and inspired by her art trip to the back country in Iceland.

"Yep Cynthia took an art trip to Iceland and we get to see and perhaps collect a couple of these 28 images," says Galerie Bohème host Tom Rudd. "So come and view, have a cuppa, a crumpet, slice of cheese. Be there."

Galerie Bohème is at 423 Fifth Street in Calumet.

Calumet Art Center: Open Studio

The Calumet Art Center will offer a Lampwork Bead Class Oct. 25 and 26. This is one of several classes offered at the Center this fall.* (Poster courtesy Calumet Art Center)

Calumet Art Center will hold an open studio from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. Visit the Center to learn about adult classes in line for this fall: Twining on a small portable loom, a Precious Metal Clay class, an intermediate Fun with Clay class, Leathercrafting, Beginning Weaving, and Lampwork Bead Making.*

Explore the weaving, glass bead making, and clay studios to see projects in progress that just may inspire you to enjoy adventures in traditional art forms.

The Calumet Art Center is at 57055 Fifth Street. Call 906-934-2228 for more information.

Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery: "Fall Leaf Collage Print"

Copper Country Associated Artists will offer a workshop, "Fall Leaf Collage Print," from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday, Oct. 3, at their Gallery, 205 Fifth St.

You are welcome to gather and bring with you some fallen leaves or other greenery from your yard or garden to create your collage print. All ages are welcome. For more information contact the Gallery at 337-1252 or Pam at 337-2274.

Cross Country Sports: "Spirited Houses" by jd slack

jd slack’s pastel paintings of houses evoke the mining houses of the Copper Country in many moods in abstract forms. Meet the artist at an open house with refreshments from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. Cross Country Sports is at 507 Oak Street in Calumet. For more information call 337-4520.

* Click here to learn more about Calumet Art Center classes or visit their Web site.

First Friday in Calumet offers tour of art galleries, studios Sept. 5

Garden at Sunset, by Sharon Schmeltzer, is part of her September exhibit opening on First Friday, Sept. 5, at the Paige Wiard Gallery in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

CALUMET -- Once again Calumet art galleries and studios will welcome the public for the First Friday art tour TOMORROW evening, Sept. 5. Check out the new exhibits for September and enjoy artist receptions, refreshments and activities.

Paige Wiard Gallery

The Paige Wiard Gallery will host an opening reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, for artist Sharon Schmeltzer. With an exploration of color and its subtleties, Schmeltzer's art work expands from a nonobjective abstract focus to what she refers to as surrealistic art.

Garden Thistle, by Sharon Schmeltzer. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

Sharon’s colors seem to glow with warmth or transmit an almost eerie chill. Viewers will find themselves feeling and reflecting, as much as looking through the layers of emotions swirling through the paintings.

The Paige Wiard Gallery is at 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. Please call 906-337-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com for answers to any questions.

Calumet Art Center

Stop in at the Calumet Art Center on First Friday, Sept. 5, for an Open Studio where you can find the space you need as well as inspiration to start, continue or finish your own personal art project. Enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals!

Works in progress in the Calumet Art Center's clay studio. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Find your inspiration while touring the center and open studios featuring looms of all types, lamp work bead station, library and writing studio and the clay studio where there are several works in progress. Learn about the Center's recent classes, projects and upcoming events. Several new classes will be offered this fall. Stop in to learn more or visit calumetartcenter.com.

Galerie Bohème

An exhibition of new works by Margo McCafferty will begin Sept. 5 and continue through Oct. 2, 2014, at Galerie Bohème. McCafferty will be exhibiting oil paintings inspired by Calumet architecture and drawings from her "Green Series."

Red Building (detail) by Margo McCafferty. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

The public is invited to view the work and meet the artist at an opening reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, Sept. 5, at the gallery.

Galerie Bohème is at 423 Fifth Street in Calumet. For more information contact Tom Rudd at 906-369-4086 or email mcruddart@gmail.com.

Copper Country Associated Artists

"Art on a Rock" is the subject of a workshop to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday, Sept. 5, at the Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery, 205 Fifth St., Calumet.

Pick up a rock at the beach and learn how to turn that stone into an "art" piece. Peg McNinch of Silver Rae Studio in Houghton will teach participants to express themselves with stone and embellishments. All ages are welcome.

For more information call the Gallery at 337-1252.

Cross Country Sports

For the month of September, Cross Country Sports will feature jewelry by Jen Szubielak. Jen creates unique, one-of-a-kind necklaces from broken shards of antique pottery and dishes found along the Swedetown Trails in Calumet. Jen's necklaces were featured in this year's Great Deer Chase as awards in the women's mountain bike races, and she has donated several of her beautiful necklaces on display to benefit the Swedetown Trails.

The public is invited to meet the artist at an open house with refreshments from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5.

Cross Country Sports is at 507 Oak Street, Calumet. For more information, call 337-4520.

Hahn's Hammered Copper
 

Shelly Hahn, left, of Hahn's Hammered Copper invites visitors to guess the mystery object during the First Friday art tour on Aug. 1. Miriam Pickens writes down her guess to submit. This Friday, another mystery object will offer a challenge to visitors. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Hahn's Hammered Copper on 5th Street will be open to visitors on Friday, Sept. 5. Stop in and try to guess the mystery object. You might win a hand-hammered copper zipper pull!

Café Rosetta

Café Rosetta will be showing the vibrant, colorful work of Mariana Nakashima for the month of September. Enjoy her drawings depicting the strength and prediction of geometrical shapes contrasting her free contour paintings!

Deer Chase Mountain Bike Pre-ride is TONIGHT, Aug. 13, at Swedetown

CALUMET -- The annual Cross Country Sports Deer Chase Pre-ride will be TONIGHT, Wednesday, Aug. 13, leaving from Swedetown Chalet at 6 p.m. Get a preview of the course so you are ready for the weekend!  If you aren't registered for Saturday yet, visit  www.greatdeerchase.org. All proceeds from the event go right back into building, maintaining and expanding the Swedetown Trail System.

Visit new art exhibits on First Friday, Aug. 1, in Calumet

Currently on display upstairs in the Performance Hall at the Calumet Art Center are 40 quilts from the collection of the late Geraldine Pennington. The display continues through the month of August. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet, Aug. 1, offers a variety of new art exhibits and activities -- free and open to the public. Some exhibits reflect Calumet's theme for the month of August: the buildings and architecture of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Paige Wiard Gallery: Art in Architecture

Late September, by Georgi Tsenov. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

During the month of August the Paige Wiard Gallery will be celebrating art in architecture. The Keweenaw Peninsula is known for all its natural beauty, but sometimes the man-made beauty is overlooked. Luckily this area has a lot of amazing artists that see the beauty of the local buildings. Artists have captured the ornate designs in the old buildings, the simple structures of every day homes, and ruins from old weathered structures -- and have turned them in to amazing artwork.

Houghton Overlook, by Mark Gregg. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

The public is invited to an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Paige Wiard Gallery, 109 5th Street, Calumet.

"While you are out enjoying Calumet’s August First Friday take a minute to peek in the windows of the store fronts on 5th Street," says owner Paige Wiard. "The Main Street Calumet Design Committee has done a wonderful job with the Art in Architecture displays!"

If you have questions please call 906-33-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com.

Galerie Bohème: New Works from Patty Ouellette Watson

Galerie Bohème, at 423 5th Street, will present "New Works from Patty Ouellette Watson" during August.

Patty Watson. Oil on canvas. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème)

A reception with the artist will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1.

A native of the Keweenaw, lifelong artist Patty Ouellette Watson now spends her time painting at her homes on Lake Superior near Gay and in the mountains of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. Working with oil on canvas, she produces vibrant abstract expressionistic representations complementing both environments.

This show runs from August 1 through September 4. Gallery hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday .

For more information, please contact galerieboheme@gmail.com or Tom Rudd at 906-369-4086.

Copper Country Associated Artists: Jewelry Making

Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery and Studio (CCAA) will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday, Aug. 1, for a special jewelry making workshop. Come learn the simple basic method of creating your own jewelry. Pamela Hecht will share with you the technique to make a simple bead drop pendant and a pair of pierced earrings.

For more information you can call Pamela at 906-337-2274. Leave a message if necessary. 

Or just stop in to view the gallery filled with art work done by the local artists of the Copper County. You’ll find that unique piece of art that you have been looking for -- at the CCAA Gallery!

The CCAA Gallery is at 205 Fifth Street in Calumet.

Calumet Art Center: Quilt Show, Iversen paintings, more ...

One of 40 quilts from the collection of the late Geraldine Pennington, on display in the Calumet Art Center through August. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The Calumet Art Center will hold an Open House on First Friday evening, Aug. 1. Be sure to see the display of 40 quilts from the collection of the late Geraldine Pennington upstairs in the Center's Performance Hall. These quilts were inherited by her daughter Harriett White, and granddaughter-in-law, Kirsten White, who wished to share them with the public this summer.

Some of the quilts were made by family members, and many of the quilts were purchased from auctions in the northern Indiana area from the 1970s through the 1990s. Many patterns and sizes are represented. These quilts will be on display throughout the month of August. Come in to learn about the history of this collection, and to appreciate all the hard work and creativity that went into making these beautiful quilts!

Also on exhibit at the Calumet Art Center are 45 oil paintings by Eric Iversen -- a generous donation by Mr. and Mrs. Eric Iversen.

Oil painting by Eric Iversen. (Photo courtesy Calumet Art Center)

Find your inspiration while touring the Center and open studios featuring looms of all types, lamp work bead station, library and writing studio and the clay studio where there are several works in progress. Learn about recent classes -- including Summer Youth Art Immersion -- as well as projects and upcoming events.

Tie-dye class at Calumet Art Center. (Photo © Mark Gregg and courtesy Calumet Art Center)

The Calumet Art Center is at 57055 Fifth Street. For more information visit their Web site, calumetartcenter.com.

Hahn Hammered Copper: Architectural elements salvaged

For August, Hahn Hammered Copper will host "Salvagion" -- Beautiful architectural elements salvaged from our throwaway society and saved from sure destruction. They will also feature "What is it?" -- Guess the mystery object and win a hand-hammered copper zipper pull.

Café Rosetta: Art by Jacquelyn Williams

Café Rosetta's featured artist for August is Jacquelyn Williams from Waterford, Michigan. Jackie displays talent in a wide variety of artistic genres and pulls inspiration from whatever surroundings she may find herself in. Examples of her original artwork include detailed oil pastel sketches, woodburnings done on Lake Superior driftwood, and acrylic paintings that incorporate beautiful textures as well as Lake Superior beach glass, agates, and thomsonite. She also does custom artwork upon request.

Jackie’s original pieces will be on display at Café Rosetta for the month of August, and she would be honored if you would come and share her life’s joy!

Café Rosetta is at 104 Fifth St. in Calumet.

UPDATE: Cross Country Sports: Photography by Adam Griffis

For the month of August, Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak St., will display photography by Adam Griffis, featuring scenes from the Great Deer Chase Mountain Bike Race. Adam's photographs capture the action, excitement and competitive spirit of Calumet's premier mountain bike race, set against the backdrop of historic downtown Calumet and the beautiful Swedetown Trails.

Cross Country Sports will host an open house and refreshments from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 1.

Swedetown Trails to host free skiing, snowshoeing Jan. 22

A skier heads down one of Swedetown's picturesque, well groomed cross-country trails. Everyone is invited to enjoy them for free on Sunday, Jan. 22, during the Winter Trails Day event. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

CALUMET -- Swedetown Ski and Snowshoe Trails invites everyone to a Winter Trails Day on Sunday, Jan. 22. Free all-day trail pass for skiing or snowshoeing. Pick up your pass at the Chalet any time after 10 a.m. If you have a trail pass to other areas, this will be a great time to visit Swedetown and try all the great trails. Lights are on until 10 p.m. At the Chalet, free hot chocolate and apple juice from noon to 5 p.m. Stop in and say hi!

Free hot chocolate and apple juice will be served from noon to 5 p.m. during Winter Trails Day, Sunday, Jan. 22, here at the Swedetown Chalet. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

For anyone wanting to try skiing, Cross Country Sports of Calumet, co-sponsor of this event, will provide free snowshoe or ski rentals. First come, first served for rental equipment, as available from noon to 5 p.m. Come to the Swedetown Chalet to check out equipment. Copper Island Ski Club members will be on hand to suggest trails for beginners and to guide hourly snowshoe hikes.

For more info on Swedetown Trails, visit their Web site.