Community Arts Center to hold holiday party, children's art exhibit Dec. 19

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) is holding a holiday party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. TOMORROW, Thursday, Dec.19. The evening will feature artist demonstrations in spinning, letterpress printing, encaustics, and painting; a sing along with Rhythm 203; and kids’ story time with Chris Alquist.

Rhythm 203 -- from left, Sue Ellen Kingsley, Phyllis Fredendall and Norm Kendall -- are joined by Debbie Mues, right, Calumet Schools art teacher, in singing holiday tunes during the December 2012 Copper Country Community Arts Center holiday party and children's art exhibit. Rhythm 203 will lead a sing along again this year at the Dec. 19 party to be held at the Community Arts Center. The event is free and all are welcome. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

An opening reception for the Calumet Schools Art Exhibition will also be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Youth Gallery.

Stop by for cookies, refreshments, door prizes, and holiday fun. This event is free and all are invited. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Call 482-2333 for more information.

In addition, 2013 and 2014 CCCAC Members also receive 10 percent off gallery sales all day Thursday.

Update: VSA "Art Around the World" traveling exhibition in Kerredge Gallery.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is hosting "Art Around the World" -- the VSA Michigan Emerging Artists’ Touring Exhibition -- in the Kerredge Gallery through Dec. 23, 2013.

The exhibit is artwork created by artists with disabilities of all ages. Forty pieces including drawing, painting and photography are on display making a lively and enriching viewing experience. Pontiac artist John Sharpe has two expressive pastel drawings depicting Detroit Tigers’ Al Kaline stretching to catch a ball and Willie Horton up to bat. Gila Yael Gelford from Beverly Hills, Mich., created a painting titled "Collies" which has the words, Robert Bray says: "Which One is the Real Lassie." Three smiling dogs dwarf a man in a hat against a bright red background. Local artist, Rickie Manninen’s Fishy Fishy is a found object sculpture of a fish with bubbles made of strung beads and shells.

VSA Michigan promotes creative power in people with disabilities, and works to create a society where people with disabilities participate in, learn through, excel in and enjoy the arts. VSA Michigan has advocated for arts in education and increased opportunities for experiences and training within educational and community-based programs since 1977 and has expanded its programs and services to engage people through a statewide network of local affiliate committees and partner organizations. Activities include artist residencies, daytime and after-school classes, professional development, technical services and opportunities for individuals to learn through the arts and showcase their work.

VSA Michigan arts programs focus on engaging people with disabilities in learning skills, expressing themselves more fully, promoting access and inclusion, and engaging people in dance, drama, music, literary, media and visual arts. VSA Michigan is an affiliate of the VSA and Accessibility Department of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Exhibitions and programs are supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts Center is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Special holiday hours include Sunday and Monday, Dec. 22 and 23, noon to 5 p.m. For more information call 482-2333 or email ccarts@coppercountryarts.com.