Great Lakes events scheduled for June, July, August

MARQUETTE -- Join the staff and supporters of Save the Wild UP, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve and Freshwater Future in a Great Lakes Walk, Paddle and Roll Fundraising event, which kicks off with a 5-mile paddle around beautiful Lake Independence on Saturday, June 6.

There will be three events throughout the summer, including an orienteering event to be held on Sunday, July 12, in Big Bay as well as a biking event in August in Marquette. All funds raised will be used to support environmental outreach, educational activities and similar efforts around the Great Lakes region.

Visit Save the Wild UP for details.

Photo Contest

The Central Upper Peninsula Group of the Sierra Club is sponsoring a photo contest to celebrate the beauty of the Yellow Dog River Watershed. Do you have favorite photographs of the area? Enter them in the contest for a chance to win prizes and help make everyone aware how special this area is. You need not be a member of the Sierra Club to enter.

Photos that are entered should fit one of these categories: 1) Water –- lakes or rivers in the Yellow Dog Plains; 2) watershed scenery and landscapes –- beautiful photographs that don’t feature water recreation; 3) hiking, fishing, blueberry picking, skiing or whatever you, friends or family enjoy doing in this area; 4) Plants and animals –-living things that make the watershed special.

Up to four photographs may be submitted by each contestant. Please send pictures electronically to john.rebers@michigan.sierraclub.org. Entries should be submitted no later than Aug. 28, 2009.

Prizes to be awarded include: $100 cash prize for the best photograph overall and additional prizes for great photos in each of the categories above.

For more information Click here.

Protect the Earth Gathering

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, for the 2009 Protect the Earth Gathering on the Shores of Gichigami. Last year, Protect the Earth was very powerful, uniting people of all walks of life to protect our land and water. A warm invitation is extended to all those who value the Earth and want to protect it. Although Protect the Earth is not just about mining issues, potential metallic sulfide and uranium mining activity is still a major threat to the health of Great Lakes communities and our freshwater resources and will be a major focus of this year's gathering.

Saturday's events will take place in Marquette, Mich., and will include speakers, music and dance, workshops, a film premiere and displays about current environmental issues in the Great Lakes Basin. Sunday will begin with an annual walk to Eagle Rock and will culminate with a lunch and a special ceremony for our land and water, including a memorial for author, friend, historian and community activist Fred Rydholm with his family and friends.

Help is needed in all stages of the event (planning, setting up, cleaning up), so please email yellowdogsummer@gmail.com or call 906.942.7325 if you can contribute your time. Also, if you are able, please make any monetary contributions payable to Keepers of the Water, 254 Dukes Rd., Skandia, MI 49885. Please specify if you would like to donate specifically to Fred's memorial.

The Protect the Earth Gathering is sponsored by: Keepers of the Water, Yellow Dog Summer, Students Against Sulfide Mining and Friends. Stay tuned for updates, maps and more information, coming soon. Please visit http://yellowdogsummer.wordpress.com for details.

"John Hubbard: Recent Paintings" to be on exhibit at Finlandia Gallery May 28 - July 17

HANCOCK -- An exhibit of recent paintings by Marquette artist John Hubbard will be featured from May 28 to July 17 at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

Artist John Hubbard in his studio. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

An opening reception for the artist will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the gallery. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Drawing inspiration from well-known Canadian painters, The Group of Seven and the California impressionists, John Hubbard’s recent series of landscape paintings, created during a recent sabbatical, express the rugged beauty and luminous light of the northern landscape. Closely cropped water patterns, treetops viewed from below and the blue-green light of the deep forest fill Hubbard’s canvases.

Spider Trees 2009, Oil on Canvas, 18" x 24," is one of John Hubbard's recent northern landscape paintings. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Working alla prima, from the Italian "at once," Hubbard created each painting in one sitting. He begins his process by searching the surrounding woods and photographing thousands of images, seeking to capture a fleeting quality of light that will bring authenticity to his landscape painting.

"My goal as a painter is not to duplicate the photo, but to bring to the viewer those aspects of the image that are significant and to make it look not like a photo, but a painting that was done with brushes, rags, fingers and paint," notes Hubbard. "The interest in a painting or any work of art is the unique visual formation of the marks that differ from one person to the next."

Hubbard is also interested in conveying through his work the inherent value and vulnerability of nature.

"The relation of man and nature has been explored by many artists, especially the Hudson River artists; but my concern is different in that I am fearful of man’s impact on the environment as we face global warming and other events that may affect our world as we know it," says Hubbard, adding that his future work will continue to explore these concerns.

The productive and creative momentum created in Hubbard’s recent sabbatical, and continuing intensive painting research, are significant influences in his work. In this new series of landscape paintings, Hubbard continues to refine his process as he discovers new techniques and ideas.

A professor in the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University for nearly 40 years, Hubbard teaches drawing, painting and printmaking. His work has been exhibited in numerous one-person and juried exhibits. Public commissions of his work include the Fredeen Art Project in Marquette and the Copper Country Mental Health Building in Houghton.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Vertin Gallery seeks musicians for Saturday "Music at Noon Hour"

CALUMET -- The Vertin Gallery in Calumet is participating in the Main Street Calumet summer window display theme, "Keweenaw Music Traditions." We are hoping to attract some volunteer musicians who would like to come and perform on Saturdays at noon for one hour in the gallery throughout the summer.

Just an hour or so...we would be happy to pass out your business cards or flyers in lieu of payment while you are with us. Plus we will be advertising the "Music at Noon Hour." If we have enough names, we can publish them in press releases and announce them on radio to give you more exposure.

We are looking for anything from singles to doubles to trios to whatever! Keep in mind it is a gallery space so we hope to attract some milder, sweeter music. Heavy metal or really loud stuff probably won't do in this venue.

If any one is interested, please call the Vertin Gallery at (906) 337-2200 and ask for Kerri or leave a message!

Volunteers needed for Chain Drive bike races June 20

HANCOCK -- Volunteers are still needed for the Portage Health System Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival mountain bike races on Saturday, June 20. People to help with traffic control from the race start to the top of the Hancock Cemetery hill are especially in demand.

"Volunteers do not have to be cyclists!" says Dan Dalquist of Keweenaw Trekkers, organizers of the Chain Drive race. "Time commitment is typically 30-45 minutes on Saturday morning. We do have some positions that are longer -- for example, at the finish line."

If you wish to volunteer, fill out the form on the Chain Drive Web site. Please be sure to include your t-shirt size.

Cyclists who wish to register for the Chain Drive should note the $10 discount for registering by Sunday, May 31. Visit the Chain Drive Web site for details.

The challenging 16-mile and 32-mile cross-country races traverse the Maasto Hiihto/ Churning Rapids trail system in Hancock. The course includes miles of singletrack and lots of elevation change. The finish will be at the Portage Health System hospital parking lot in Hancock.*

The Junior Chain Drive starts at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20. The race will be on a single-track trail in a wooded area east of the hospital and will end at the Portage Health campus. The event includes timed races for youth ages 8-13 above and non-timed races for those age 7 and under. Click here for details.

* Editor's Note: Photo: Participants in a previous Chain Drive Race cross the Portage Lift Bridge from Houghton to Hancock at the start of the race. This year construction in Houghton may result in a variation on the start of the race. Watch for an announcement on this. (Chain Drive file photo © Keweenaw Now)

Low-cost natural weight / wellness classes begin May 27 in Hancock

HANCOCK -- A group of natural wellness experts from Finlandia's Jutila Center for Global Design and Business will launch a series of low-cost community classes called "Perfect Weight and Wellness" at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, in Room 324 of the Jutila Center.

Subtitled "Bringing Balance to Your Relationship with Food and your Body," the series will run on Wednesday evenings through the summer and cover topics ranging from mind-body wellness to why popular diets don't always work.

Patty Markham Peterson, RN, of Keweenaw Natural Wellness will introduce the series with her class titled "The Physical Body and the Energy Body," based on her experiences working locally in natural wellness since 1997.

Patty Markham Peterson, RN, of Keweenaw Natural Wellness, is an energy healer. She is pictured here teaching a previous class on wellness at the Jutila Center in Hancock. (Photo courtesy Patty Markham Peterson, Keweenaw Natural Wellness)

"As I work with clients I see how much energy affects their health," Peterson said. "In this class, I'll talk about how that happens and how we can manage our energy to stay healthy."

Peterson has taught previous wellness and intuition classes, which have grown in popularity since beginning about three years ago. As part of the current series, she will also teach the classes "Eating Without FEAR" (June 24) and "Conscious and Unconscious Beliefs and Body Weight" (Aug. 5).

Kim Menzel, LMSW, of Indigo Creek Counseling; Vicki Usitalo, RN, of Preventive Health Maintenance; and Katie Alvord of North Coast Holistics will present additional classes in the Perfect Weight and Wellness series.

Menzel, a clinical psychotherapist who works closely with area health care providers in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, will present the classes "Mindfulness and Body Image" (June 10), "Overcoming Self-Sabotage" (July 22) and "Food as a Metaphor" (Sept. 9). Menzel has been in practice since 1994 and has operated Indigo Creek Counseling since 2006. She specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Usitalo, a registered nurse who has worked locally in natural health since 2002, specializes in field control therapy, a method of internal cleansing which uses homeopathy and herbs. Her June 17 class will focus on ways this method can reduce fatigue, support weight management and improve overall wellness.

Alvord, an award-winning writer and educator with training in holistic health and nutrition, will present the classes "Journaling for Perfect Weight and Wellness" (July 8) and "Popular Diets vs. the Unique You" (Aug. 19). She will also host the class "Tapping for Wellness" (June 3) on neural tapping, a technique related to acupressure and designed to promote self-healing.

Alvord stressed the low-cost aspect of the classes.

"Especially with the economy now, we wanted to offer classes that are both practical and affordable," she said. "We hope the holistic approaches we'll cover will help people save money on medical bills, too."

All classes are $10 at the door, and will be held at Finlandia's Jutila Center for Global Design and Business at 200 Michigan Street in Hancock. All will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, with informal discussion to follow. For more information, call 487-7451 or email NorthCoastHolistics@gmail.com.

For a complete schedule of the classes, visit the North Coast Holistics Web site.

Coaster brook trout protection denied by USFWS

MARQUETTE -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a 12-month finding on a petition to list the coaster brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The petition also asked that critical habitat be designated for the species.

According to a May 18, 2009, article in the Duluth News Tribune, environmental groups have sought federal protection since 2006 for the native fish now found only in Lake Superior near a few streams.

"Coaster brook trout are brook trout that spend a portion of their life cycle in the Great Lakes," the article states. "At one time, there were more than 50 runs in the U.S. waters of Lake Superior. They also were found in Lakes Huron and Michigan, where they now are extinct.

"Today, there are only four known wild populations in the U.S. waters of Lake Superior, all in Michigan -- one in the Salmon Trout River in the Upper Peninsula and three on Isle Royale."*

The Salmon Trout River is now threatened by Kennecott Minerals / Rio Tinto's proposed sulfide mine for nickel and copper.

The article also notes that USFWS "determined that the coaster is not a 'distinct population' from other brook trout and that it doesn’t deserve special designation because the overall brook trout population is not in peril."

From the USFWS: "After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that the coaster brook trout is not a listable entity under the Act, and therefore, listing is not warranted. We ask the public to continue to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the taxonomy, biology, ecology, and status of coaster brook trout and to support cooperative conservation of coaster brook trout within its historical range in the Great Lakes."

Editor's Notes:
* For the complete online article, go to: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/120559/

This update is courtesy Save the Wild UP.

Stupak introduces legislation to address excessive energy market speculation

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) has introduced revised legislation aimed at closing loopholes that have allowed speculators to manipulate energy markets and artificially inflate prices. Stupak’s Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices (PUMP) Act, H.R. 2448, takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the loopholes that allow energy traders to evade federal oversight and for the first time establishes carbon derivatives as a regulated energy commodity.

"The crises in the housing and financial sectors have shown us what happens when federal regulators are not keeping a close eye on Wall Street," Stupak said. "The Obama Administration’s announcement this week to strictly regulate the derivatives market and put an end to some of this excessive speculation is a welcome step. Congress must take what the Administration has proposed and build on it to create a strong regulatory system that protects American consumers."

Next week the House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which Stupak is a member, will markup energy and climate change legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which will create an entirely new carbon derivates market which speculators can manipulate. The 2009 PUMP Act would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) the authority to regulate carbon derivates as an energy commodity.

"The carbon derivatives market should based on a strong regulatory framework," Stupak said. "The finite nature of carbon credits and absence of a physical commodity leave it particularly vulnerable to speculation. That is why it is so important that any cap and trade system we consider includes the strong provisions the PUMP Act provides."

Stupak noted that although energy costs are down substantially from a year ago, the American people, Congress and federal regulators should not be lulled into a false sense of complacency. Addressing excessive energy speculation should be a key part of any new energy policy because another dramatic increase in oil prices, such as the one we saw last spring and summer, would further devastate the already weakened economy.

"We need look no further than today’s oil prices, which have jumped 30 cents in some communities in the past week, to see the effect speculators have on energy prices," Stupak said. "Supply is at a 20-year high, demand is at a 10-year low, yet oil prices are up 70 percent since the beginning of the year. The national average price for gasoline was $1.61 in January; today it is $2.29. This cannot be explained by simple supply and demand. Speculators are driving these prices."

Stupak is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. In this role, Stupak has led House investigations into the role speculators play in driving up the cost of energy. Documents and testimony related to the Subcommittee’s investigation in the 110th Congress can be found at http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1393&catid=31&Itemid=58 and at http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=635&catid=31&Itemid=58.

For more information on Congressman Stupak's issues, visit his Web site.

Arts Center to offer children's class on Henri Matisse May 23

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center presents "An Afternoon with Henri Matisse," an art class for students ages 6-12 years old. The class will study the life and work of artist Henri Matisse. Students will then make art in the style of Matisse’s cut outs.

The class will be taught by Leona Blessing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Students must register by Wednesday, May 20.

Call the Arts Center at 482-2333 for class fee and more information. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock.

Sons of Norway to celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day May 17

HANCOCK -- Please join the Sons of Norway for their Annual Syttende Mai celebration from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock.

The event will include a potluck dinner and musical entertainment by the children, Robin Oye and special guest musicians Dave Bezotte and friends, playing Norwegian music. This is the Norwegian Constitution Day celebration, which is one of Norway's most important Celebrations of the Year, so you do not want to miss this! If you have Norwegian clothing, please wear your outfit.

"Bring the family, friend(s) and a dish to share and be ready for fun!" says Connie Julien, member and webmaster, Ulseth Lodge, Sons of Norway. "We will eat about 6 p.m. so arrive early!"

For more information about the Ulseth Lodge, Sons of Norway, visit www.nlc-calumet.org/son.

"Kalevala: Land of Heroes" to be May 15, 16 in Negaunee

MARQUETTE -- A special two-day run of "Kalevala: Land of Heroes" will be performed on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, at the Vista Theater in Negaunee.

Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Saturday Matinee will be at 2 p.m. (with special reduced pricing).

Come about 15 minutes ahead of curtain to hear Tanya Stanaway play a lovely mini-concert before each performance.

If you are unable to make the show, Paul Olson offers some video from the show on his YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/olsonpau

Olson notes also that a segment of the show (approximately 30-45 minutes) will be performed at Marquette's Scandinavian Midsummer Festival on June 20.

Bike to Work Day offers events, info, prizes May 15

HOUGHTON -- Join a group of cyclists who will hold Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. The event is co-sponsored by Michigan Tech Sports and Recreation and the Outdoor Activities Club.

The point: demonstrate how easy it is and encourage the activity.

Cyclists on the waterfront trail in downtown Houghton can enjoy free food and beverages. Cyclists and pedestrians can also pick up commuting information, visit a bike fix-it booth and see the City of Houghton's new bike rack design.

For those cycling from north of the bridge to Michigan Tech, the recommended route is riding southbound on the bridge, then turning right by the Powerhouse and connecting with the waterfront trail and on to the Tech campus.

Other events include a bike expo from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Shelden Avenue.

"The city is closing a couple of blocks (no, not the ones that currently have large holes)," says Dean Woodbeck of Keweenaw Trails. "We'll have giveaways, prizes, discounts on commuter gear from Cross Country Sports, bike movies at the Rhythm Theater, details on Downwind's summer bike to work program, tricycle races for all ages, a kids' mountain bike skills course and much, much more."

Cyclists can register for Bike to Work Day, making them eligible for a prize drawing, by visiting www.keweenawtrails.com/commute. Details about all of the events are also available at Keweenaw Trails.

Mont Ripley offers its two parking lots, on either side of M-26, to Michigan Tech employees to park for free and either bike or carpool to campus.

Volunteers needed for Hancock Clean Up May 9

HANCOCK -- Hancock Clean Up Day is tomorrow, Saturday, May 9. Volunteers will meet at Jim's Pizza at 8 a.m. for a free buffet breakfast. Free gloves will be provided for the first 50 people. The City of Hancock will furnish free garbage bags for all. Areas will be assigned for pickup.

At 9 a.m., following the breakfast at Jim's, Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club volunteers will clean around the chalet and the sand pit not too far from the chalet. In case you arrive late, the sand pit is at the top of Sisu Hill which is the climb out of the Gorge at the downstream end of the River Trail; from the chalet just go through the fence onto the trails and take the first marked trail to the left.

Volunteers are simply asked to help as long as they can stay. Anyone with questions on the ski club part of the clean up may call Jay Green at 487-5411.

Hancock Clean Up Day is sponsored by the City of Hancock, Hancock Downtown Development Authority and the Hancock Professional Businessperson Association.

Hancock High students take first place in MTU Bio-Athlon

HOUGHTON -- Students from Hancock High School took first place in the 20th annual Department of Biological Sciences Bio-Athlon, held May 6 at Michigan Technological University.

The team members were Holly Bekkala, Josh Hendrickson, Stacy Ruotsala and Jari Sague. Their coach was Kristin Schourek. Each team member will receive a $200 U.S. Savings Bond.

The Bio-Athlon aims to stimulate interest and problem-solving in biology among area youth. Teams from 15 Upper Peninsula high schools participated, including Baraga, Chassell, Dollar Bay, Jeffers and Lake Linden-Hubbell.

The teams spent one hour solving each of four problems involving dissection, field identification, biological principles and microscopic freshwater algae. None had biology course work beyond the traditional high school sophomore course.

Bio-Athlons also provide workshops for the participating biology teachers. Funding is provided by the Michigan Tech Admissions Office, the Department of Biological Sciences and the Michigan Tech Fund and by Michigan Tech alumni Mark Cowan, M.D.; Robert DellAngelo, M.D.; Olive Cornish Kimball, D.Ed., Ph.D.; and Sandra Lewin.

Editor's Note: This press release courtesy Marcia Goodrich, senior writer, MTU Marketing and Communications.

Dick Storm Interview on MTU's Rail Transportation Program available on MP3

HOUGHTON -- Pasi Lautala, director of Michigan Tech's Rail Transportation Program, and graduate student Shane Ferrell, president of the Rail Engineering and Activities Club (REAC), were invited guests of Dick Storm recently on his "Keeping It in the UP" radio program on WOLV 97.7.

To download an MP3 file of the interview, which focuses on rail transportation in North American and rail activities at Michigan Tech, click here.

Kerredge Gallery features art by Stacy Vaughn Davis

"Uh-oh!... Who is Judging Who?" is the title of this pen and ink drawing by Stacy Vaughn Davis of Republic, Mich. Davis is the featured artist in the Kerredge Gallery of the Community Arts Center through May 30. (Photo courtesy Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The May exhibit in the Community Arts Center’s Kerredge Gallery is "Through My Eyes in Black and White," pen and ink drawings by Stacy Vaughn Davis. Davis tells his stories through intricately detailed drawings with areas of rich texture and repeat pattern creating depth and movement.

"My art has been a major driving force in my life since I was a young child," the artist states. "I truly hope to move people deeply when they view my work."

The exhibit will run through May 30. This exhibit is supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. For more information call (906) 482-2333.

Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve to meet May 7

HOUGHTON -- Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve (SBGP) will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, in the first floor conference room of the UPPCO Bldg in Houghton. New members are welcome.

"The Board is very excited about our new logo and recent order of hats, t-shirts and canvas bags,” said Anita Campbell, SBGP secretary. "Our mission to raise awareness of the Bete Grise Preserve and encourage folks to enjoy and protect it has begun!"

The group kicked off their first sale of the new items at the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) Tree Sale last weekend. They include hats in tan or blue; T-shirts in tan or gray (adult sizes S, M, L and a few children's sizes also); and bags in a natural tone canvas w/logo.

"They make great gifts and remind the community to help protect one of Lake Superior's crown jewels," Campbell said.

New brochures prepared by HKCD Administrator Sue Haralson are also available.

If you would like to place an order for any of the new items -- all priced at $15 each -- checks may be made payable to SBGP and sent to Sue Haralson at 600 E. Lakeshore Dr., Suite 2, Houghton, MI 49931.

Presentation on sustainable communities to be held May 6

HANCOCK -- "Sustainable Keweenaw: Learning from Northern Communities," a free public presentation, will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock. Learn how businesses, governments, tribes, schools and organizations are working together to preserve and enhance quality of life while saving energy and resources.

Representatives from the Alliance for Sustainability will share their experiences in revitalizing Lake Superior communities using practical ideas developed in Sweden and adopted by the American Planning Association. Its model comes from The Natural Step, an international nonprofit research, education and advisory organization that uses a science-based systems framework to help organizations, individuals and communities take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

Partners often include colleges and universities. Northland College and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College are "early adopters" in the Sustainable Chequamegon Initiative, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior is part of the Sustainable Twin Ports Initiative.

Find out how The Natural Step's flexible, science-based sustainability framework can benefit organizations and communities.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 W. Quincy Street in Hancock.

Finlandia art students exhibit Diploma Works through May 22

Finlandia Art and Design student Jordan Siegler's diploma works exhibit is an exploration of culture’s ability to consume its people. This is part of Finlandia University's 2009 International School of Art and Design Diploma Works Exhibition at the Finnish American Heritage Center. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- The 2009 International School of Art and Design Diploma Works Exhibition is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery of the Finnish American Heritage Center through May 22, 2009.

Ansley Knoch's exhibit,"Repurposed for Good," is a line of bags, purses and accessories made primarily from recycled/repurposed plastic shopping bags that can be manufactured and sold.

A reception for the artists will take place at the gallery from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This exhibit features the "diploma works" of graduating Finlandia bachelor of fine arts (BFA) students. Each individual’s exhibit represents his or her final body of student work. The work takes the forms of intensive research projects, series of individual artworks, or design prototypes.

Colleen Carroll's exhibit is titled "Ocarinas: Listening to the Clay."

Graduating BFA seniors featured in the exhibit are: Colleen Carroll (Calumet, Mich.); Chaslyn Duffek (Pelkie, Mich.); Jennifer Hamel ( Livonia, Mich.); Stacy Karvonen (Nisula , Mich.); Jennette Katona (Negaunee , Mich.); Ansley Knoch (Madison, Wis.); Fred Knoch (Madison, Wis.); Joss Martin (Crystal Falls, Mich.); Jessica Millar (Acton, Calif.); Anne Patrick (Hancock, Mich.); Jordan Siegler (Felch, Mich.; and Whitney Sirard (L’Anse, Mich.).

The Finlandia University Gallery is located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by appointment.

Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Ontonagon High School to host Fine Arts Night May 8

ONTONAGON -- Fine Arts Night will be held on Friday, May 8, at Ontonagon Area Jr. Sr. High School. Art viewing, refreshments and slide show will be from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., followed by a Band and Choir concert at 7 p.m. Art will remain on exhibit through and after the show as well. Please help us celebrate Youth Arts.

First Friday in Calumet to feature 3 art events May 1

"Sun Dance," Acrylic, by Artist Ed Schuck, is part of his exhibit "THE UNIVERSE" at the Vertin Gallery from May 1 to June 3. An opening reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

CALUMET -- First Friday in Calumet offers three interesting art events, open to the public, this Friday evening, May 1.

Vertin Gallery exhibit, "THE UNIVERSE," to open with artist reception

The Vertin Gallery will present its newest exhibition, "THE UNIVERSE," paintings by Artist Ed Schuck, with a public reception for the artist from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The exhibition will be on display through June 3, 2009.

Schuck , originally from the Big Apple, New York City, has been a resident of the Keweenaw for the past 30 years. This exhibit features his large format acrylic abstract paintings, inspired after the images of our universe, that have been produced by the Hubble Telescope. He received a BFA in Painting and Film Making from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

Located in the heart of downtown Calumet, Michigan, the Vertin Gallery is one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere fine art galleries, featuring sculpture, painting, copper, glass, fiber, woodworking, jewelry and a fine selection of books. The work in the gallery changes frequently, and each month premieres a new exhibit to feature artists of the highest quality.

For more information on upcoming events and the gallery itself, visit www.vertingallery.com or call Kerri Corser, artistic coordinator, at 906-337-2200.

CCAA First Friday Demonstration with Clyde Mikkola

Clyde Mikkola’s drawings are admired by many for the feelings his work exudes. Enjoy hearing him discuss his approach, then pick up a pencil and put your own hand to paper. Mikkola's CCAA (Copper Country Associated Artists) First Friday demonstration runs continuously so join in anytime from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the CCAA Studios and Gallery in Historic Downtown Calumet.

The essence of Mikkola’s demonstration will be to explain how he sees and how he uses what he sees to create a drawing. Hearing Clyde discuss his personal style is sure to inspire beginners and accomplished artists alike.

A still life will be set up, and everyone will be supplied materials and can work according to the explanation of Clyde’s approach. All CCAA demonstrations are free, so come and enjoy.

First Friday CCAA demonstrations are an opportunity to introduce visitors to a variety of arts and fine craft techniques by some of the area’s most talented practitioners.

The CCAA Gallery is located at 112 Fifth Street in Calumet. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Thursday through Saturday. First Fridays, the Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the CCAA call 906-337-1252 or visit ccaartists.org.

Ed Gray Gallery to feature "Places and Dwellings"

An opening reception for the one-person show "Places and Dwellings," by Todd A. Erickson, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the Ed Gray Gallery, 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. The exhibit features unique bronze castings created by the "lost wax" tradition.

For more information call 906-337-5970 or visit http://www.edgraygallery.com.