U.P. & Ontario Exhibits & Shows

Sault, Michigan

Sault Area Arts Center in Alberta House

Location: 217 Ferris Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Phone: (906) 635-1312.

Web:www.saultarts.org

Email: saac@saultarts.org

At right, Alberta House in winter.

2012 Exhibition Schedule (details)

This Month in Alberta House Galleries (works)

20/20

The first permanent photograph was taken in 1822 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, and it was a complicated endeavor. Now a five-year-old can take a photograph with the cell phone (which he can probably program faster than his parent can). It’s easy and it’s cheap. If a five-year-old can do it, why bother with a photography exhibition and why is photography still considered an art form? What makes a photograph memorable? What makes it art?

Sometimes what makes it memorable is chance—being in the right place, with a camera, when a remarkable event is taking place. The recent tsunamis and the Syrian uprising are cases in point. Images of rare beauty may be caught by chance.

But many art photographs are images of things we see every day. What makes them art is often the perspective of the artist and the composition of the photograph.

As with a painting, it is not so much what one is looking at but how one looks at it; what one focuses on and what one chooses to leave out. When one looks at a photograph, one sees it as the photographer saw it. If it is of a common scene, one is also forced to think about why the photographer chose to focus on it. And, of course, there is the factor of the degree of skill with which the photographer manages his equipment. But it’s not simple and it’s bound to make one think.

You are invited to think about and enjoy what area photographers have to offer. And to make it more interesting, you’re invited to vote for your favorite image. Local attorney James P. Lambros has donated one hundred dollars and it will go to the winner of the “Viewers’ Choice Award.” Stop at the desk in the shop while you’re there and you’ll receive a ballot so you can vote for your favorite photograph. We’ll have a ballot box for your ballot.

The Viewer’s Choice award will be presented at the reception at the end of the show, on Saturday, February 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The last day to vote is Friday, February 24, at 3:30 p.m.

The Spiral Dance Of Wind And Water (works)

Airwaves, acrylic painting by Ellen Van Laar

First the facts: Ellen K. Van Laar was raised in Grand Rapids Michigan. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Masters Degree in Design and with Art, Music and Social Work teaching credentials. Her working career was in Cadillac where Ellen taught music (piano and violin) and art in schools and in her home. Drawn to Lake Superior, she bought a house on its northern shore in 1997 and moved up in 2003. At the present time she is launching an Arts Retreat Center, fifty-five miles north of the Sault, at Coppermine Point, Ontario.

You’re not going to mistake Ellen’s paintings for those of anyone else. The focal point for most of them is water—Lake Superior and the rivers that cascade into it—and the water is in motion—rippling, splashing, dancing, tumbling, bubbling, swirling. It is multi-layered. It sparkles with light and color. It is alive. Those who live by the lake know that it is alive; that it pulses and it breathes. If you check Ellen’s blog you’ll see no paintings in winter when the area is still starkly beautiful but the pulse of the lake is no longer apparent. Van Laar’s paintings reflect water, not ice. Water moves, reflects and serves as a vehicle for other forms of life.

Ellen, like the ancient peoples who first lived beside it, likens Lake Superior to a dragon and the dragon theme echoes through many of her paintings. The paintings are impressionistic, intense, vibrant and upbeat. They pay homage to the lake.

Check out Ellen Van Laar’s blog (algomasuperiorartist.blogspot.com) for photographs of more of her paintings and more information about her. The paintings shown here are acrylics, measuring 3 x 5 feet.

Meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, February 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. when she’ll have a slide show of Coppermine Point.

This Month's Featured Artist

Fred Peterson (details)

Events and Demonstrations at Alberta House This Month

See calendar listings.

Spotlight on the Permanent Collection

April in Michigan, a photograph by jude McConkey and Reflection, a photograph by Jack Keck

Next Month in Alberta House, March 1 to 31:

Watercolors by Katie Eberts in the Olive Craig Gallery

Images—His & Hers, Photographs by Dale and Sue Johnson in the Mini Gallery

Elsewhere in Sault, Michigan

Anny's Turtle Studio

Location: 1615 E. 15th Avenue (14th Avenue off Shunk). Open by appointment. Phone: (906) 635-9230 or (906) 440-1226. Cards, watercolor and acrylic paintings of all sizes, birch bark items and cut outs, jewelry by Anny, ornaments, rock necklaces by Sarah Rawson, beaded necklaces by Kathy Hyde, painted egg ornaments by Diane Hyde, and more...

At right, cover of Strong Women of the North, a book of poetry by Anny Hubbard. Click on the picture to see a larger version.

The Art Store (formerly The Personal Touch)

Location: 2621 Ashmun St. Phone: (906) 632-7435. (new location)

Avery Center

Location: The corner of Spruce and Ashmun. Features paintings and photographs by local artists.

Bayliss Library

Open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Art related events are scheduled January 10, 11, 12, 19 , 21, 25, 26 and 28. See date listings for details. E-books, thousands of titles, are available for checkout.

The drawing at right of the Bayliss Library by David Bigelow is on the Bayliss Library cards and bags. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Bayliss Library Artist of the Month

Judy Colein

At right, "Inside Ship Under Construction at Mandvi Boatyard, Gujarat, India," a photograph by Judy Colein.

Chippewa County Historical Society

Location: 115 Ashmun, between Water and Portage Streets. Handicap access from Water Street, via the alley—park in the lot in the back and use the back door.Phone: 635-7082. Website: www.cchsmi.com e-mail: cchs@sault.comOffice open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mon. and 10 a.m. to noon on Tues. Enter from the back door. Gift shop closed until April.

Featured this month: Keith Taylor speaks on Jane Johnston January 18. See date listing for details.

Homage Creative Arts

Custom Memorabilia, Keepsakes, and Heirloom Shadowboxes.Call Bill Gerrish at (906) 322-0120.

Click on the ad at right for a larger version.

Island Books and Crafts

Location: 101 E Portage Ave Phone: (906) 253-1768 Email: les.townsend@gmail.comHand Crafted Michigan Made ProductsClick on ad at right for a larger version.

LSSU Library Gallery

A Visit to China.

LSSU Arts Center Gallery

Featuring the L. F. Noyes Collection of Native American and Western Art

River of History Museum

Located at 531 Ashmun Street. Open Mon. through Sat. from noon to 5. Last ticket is sold 1/2 hour before closing time. Adult, $6.50/6-17yrs., $3.25.

Museum relates the complete history of the St. Mary’s River from its formation by the glaciers through the 20th Century.

Sault Realism

Location: 205 W. Portage Ave.Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: Noon - 5pmPhone: (906) 253-1693

Click on the ad at right for a larger version.

The Tower of History

The Valley Camp Museum Ship

Brimley

Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Society Wheels of History Museum

Location: on M-221 in downtown Brimley, west of the bridge. Open Sat. & Sun., 10 to 4, through Oct. 15.

Books on local history and unique gifts in the Museum Shop.

The Granary Museum

The Dancing Crane Coffeehouse

Location: 12072 Lakeshore Drive, Bay Mills. Phone: (906) 248-3387 Email: cathy52857@yahoo.com

Lake Street Studio

Full Service Audio Recording

Call Taylor Brugman at (906) 248-5947.

Mary C. Demroske's Mushroom Cap Studio

Mary Demroske's Mushroom Cap Studio on the north side of Six Mile Road, between the two Birch Point Roads, is open by appointment and by chance, with marine paintings, freighters, and lighthouses. Call 906/248-6632. Website: www.marycdemroske.com

Oil Paintings by Mary C. Demroske Click to see a larger version.
Henry Ford II	Katmai Bay
Point Iroquois Lighthouse in Winter This oil painting is available as a limited edition print from Mary (call her at 906-248-6632) or on her web site at: www.marycdemroske.com/Limited_Edition.htm

The Chad Florence Studio

Location: 9764 W. 6 Mile Road, just east of the Brimley Bridge and behind the Brimley Train Museum sign. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Phone: (906) 248-5251 Oil paintings, watercolors, and signed and numbered limited edition reproductions for sale. The small green studio is at 9764 W. 6 Mile Road (on the north side just behind the Brimley Train Museum sign). Visitors may park in the drive just west of the studio.

At right, Fall Colors, a painting by Chad Florence. Click on the picture to see a larger version.

Fred Peterson

At right, a pencil drawing of the Iroquois Point Lighthouse by Brimley Artist Fred Peterson. Contact him at 906-248-2166.

Click on the picture to see a larger version.

Point Iroquois Light Station

Located 7 miles west of Brimley on Lakeshore Drive, the museum and gift shop as well as the tower and book nook are open in the winter on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is also open some week days, weather permitting, but call ahead (906) 437-5272 to check.

At right, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, a drawing by Dave Bigelow. Click on the picture to see a larger version.

Sault, Ontario Area

Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie and District

Art Gallery of Algoma

to Feb. 19: Strange Weather by Andrea Pinheiro and Dan Siney

Theatrical Stage Creations by local high school students with artist Karen Nisbet

BON SOO: Algoma Art Society Exhibition and sale, Feb. 3 to 18.

Snow man and snow sculpture competition, Saturday, Feb. 11. Call Jasmina at the gallery, ext. 101 for more information.

ArtSpace at the Station Mall

Berkana Art Studio

Bottoms Up

Buttermilk Mountain Resort

Café Natura

Cambrian Mall

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Circle of Creative Arts Centre

Location: 648 Queen St. E. Open Tues. thru Fri. from 10 to 4

Clergue Park

Country Collectibles Harvest Show

Location: 185 Mountainview Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Phone: (705) 779-1071

Delta Hotel

Location: 208 St. Mary’s Drive (Sault Ste. Marie waterfront)

Ermatinger Old Stone House

Fairfield Marriott Inn & Suites

Location: 633 Great Northern Road (next to Boston Pizza)

Great Lakes Forestry Building

Location: 1219 E. Queen.

John Rhodes Community Centre

Location: 260 Elizabeth Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6J3 Phone: (705) 759-5419

Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre

Loplops Gallery

Prince Township Hall

Location: 3042 Second Line West, just past Airport Road.

The Quilt House

Location: 128 Churchill Blvd. Email: thequilthouse@sympatico.ca Phone: 705-942-0702.

Rose's Art Gallery

Location: 348 Bruce Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B1P7 (top of Bruce Street Hill). Open Monday thru Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone: (705) 946-4440

Original paintings, prints and photographs by over thirty local artists. Custom framing.

Roberta Bondar Tent Pavilion

Sault College

Location: 443 Northern Ave.

Sault Ste. Marie Museum

to March 24: Arresting Images: Mug Shots from the OPP Museum.

Read more about this travelling exhibition.

Sault Ste. Marie Public Library

Station Mall

Stone's Office Supply

Sylvan Circle Artist and Artisan Tour from Echo Bay-Bruce Mines

Upstairs at Rome's

Location: Great Northern Road. Phone: (705) 253-5626 Email: romes@shaw.ca

Village Potters

Location: 503 Queen Street East. Phone: (705) 256-5800

Waterfront Inn (formerly Holiday Inn) Ballroom

Location: 208 St. Mary's River Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5V4. Phone: (705)949-0611

Wellington Square Mall

Whitespace Gallery

St. Joseph Island

The Calico Hen

Location: In the Old Legion Hall in Richards Landing, on St. Joseph Island. Phone: (705) 246-2870. Dawn Tweedle sells art, antiques, and used books.

Joan Kelly's Studio

Open by appointment. Phone: (705) 949-6092

Elsewhere in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

Rudyard

Pickford

Cedarville/Hessel

Thur. through Sun., Feb. 16-19: Snowfest. Hessel. See the Les Cheneaux February Calendar at www.lescheneaux.net/?calendar?2?2012 for details.

Les Cheneaux Historical Museum

Location: 105 S. Meridian Road, Cedarville, MI 49719 Phone: (906) 484-2821

Open Tues. thru Sat. from 10 to 4, & Sun. from 1 to 4.

Les Cheneaux Community Library,

Location: 75 Hodeck, Cedarville, MI 49719. Phone: (906) 284-3547.

Creekside Herbs & Art with Rick Shapero's "Windblown" Glass Studio

Dunn Hill Iron Works Gallery

Location: 209 W. Dunn Hill, Cedarville. Phone: (906) 484-3064. Randy Dunn. Email: dunnconn@sault.net

Great Outdoors Sports Shop & Baskets

Location: M-134, Cedarville. Phone: (906) 484-2011. Baskets and classes by Anne Harrison. Email: goss@cedarville.net

Hessel Marketplace/Gifts

Location: M-134/Hessel Light, Hessel. Phone: (906) 484-3002. Jeri Griffin. Local art, pottery, basketry.

Norine Rudd Gallery & Gifts

Location: Meridian Road, Cedarville. Phone: (906) 484-2532

Picklepoint/Hollyhocks & Radishes

Location: 214 Pickford Avenue, Hessel. Phone: (906) 484-3479. Owner, Bonnie. Manager, Jessie Hadley.

Pinecone Gift Shop

Location: 98 S. Meridian Road, Cedarville. Phone: (906) 484-33413. Pat Duncan.

Woolderness

Check out our blog at www.woolderness.blogspot.com.

DeTour Village and Drummond Island

EUP Fine Arts Center Detour Passage Historical Museum

Location: Detour Lighthouse at the ferry dock. Open daily noon to 5 except Sat. 1 to 5.

Drummond Island Historical Museum

Location: On the waterfront in the village. Open daily, 1 to 5. Phone: (906) 493-5746

St. Ignace

Museum of Ojibwa Culture

The city-operated museum and park portray a vivid picture of life in the Straits of Mackinac over 300 years ago when Ojibwa, Huron, Odawa and French lifestyles met at this protected bay. Museum exhibits show Ojibwa Indian culture and traditions, the French contact period, and the site's rich archaeology. Museum store features area's largest selection of Native American books, music and locally-made certified Native American art and craft.

Escanaba

Wm. Bonifas Fine Arts Center

to Feb. 15: Linda King Ferguson—Performing Spaces

Houghton/Hancock

Fine Arts at Michigan TechCopper Country Community Arts Center

Finlandia University Finnish/American Heritage Center

Ironwood

Pine Tree Gallery

Established in 1975, the gallery represents artists and crafts persons that take their inspiration from the natural environment of the Lake Superior region. The gallery has received recognition from the regional arts community for its innovative exhibits and the high quality of artwork on display. The Pine Tree also features regional interest books, unique gift items and operates a full service frame shop.

Marquette

Northern Michigan University

Exhibits

to Feb. 26: FAX. Curated by João Ribas; co-organized with The Drawing Center, New York and Independent Curators International, New York, FAX is an evolving exhibition that started in New York in 2009, and continues to be reconfigured, expanded, and localized as it is presented in venues worldwide. FAX invites artists, architects, designers, scientists, and filmmakers to think of the fax machine as a drawing tool.

Performances (Tickets)

Fri., Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Yid Vicious Klezmer Band from Madison. Forest Roberts Theater at NMU. Tickets at 227-1032 or www.nmu.edu/performingarts or heritage@nmu.edu.

Marquette Arts and Cultural Center

Location: Lower level, Peter White Library, 217 North Front Street, Marquette, MI. Phone: 228-0472. Monday through Thursday 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 1 to 5 p.m.

Art U.P. Style

Location: 149 West Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855. Phone: (906) 226-6154. Featuring the original works of local artists and unique hand-crafted gifts.

UP Children's

Bring your imagination to see first-hand the wonders of the world through the eyes of Upper Peninsula youth!

Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery

Location: 136 East Main Street, Michigamme, MI 49861. Phone: (906) 323-6546. From realism to abstract, a microcosm of modern art. Also featuring various exhibits of Great Lakes artists.

Munising

More Towns! Elliot Lake, Blind River, Algoma Mills, and Spragge Bruce Mines

Covington

UP Made Artist Market

Location: 1 block south of M-28/M-141 junction. Thursday through Saturday from 10 to 6. Sunday from 1 to 4. Phone: 906-355-2727.

Curtis

Erickson Center for the Arts

Sat., Feb. 11, 7 to 10 p.m.: The Erickson Art Center offers a cure for cabin fever: The 1st Annual Cabin Fever Dance. Dance those blues away to the tunes of Evergreen 7, a favorite Munising band. Tickets $10 at the door. Cash bar available.

Sat., Feb. 18: Curtis Winter Carnival. Warm up and join the Winter Carnival Events at the Erickson Center. Kitty Donohoe will perform family friendly music at the Erickson Center beginning at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Hot chocolate, concessions and restroom facilities available. Call the center for more information.

Curtis Winter Carnival begins at 10 a.m. on Feb. 18, on South Manistique Lake. Dog sled races, chili cook-off, ice fishing, children’s games, cookie walk, food booths etc. Call 586-9974 for more information.

Hulbert

Kinross

Kinross Heritage Museum

Location: M-80, across from the fairgrounds. Open Thursday thru Sunday, 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Mackinac IslandNewberryParadise

Crisp Point Light

On the shore of Lake Superior. Open most weekends and by appointment. Key available. Logo merchandise available.