Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition. Eleven U.P. artists were invited to submit
works that follow the theme. The resulting collection honors the “voices of artists who
love the land and feel deeply connected to it,” as a UPEC statement says, and at the
same time reflects the feelings of many who choose to live in this relatively remote
location.

Joyce Koskenmaki, UPEC Board member and co-curator of Celebration, said the
purpose of the exhibit is twofold: to showcase the work of outstanding Upper Peninsula artists and to provide a thoughtful commentary on what it means to individual artists to
call the U.P. home.

Celebration will tour museums and galleries in the area, with the Bonifas Center as
the first stop and show premiere. An Artists’ Reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, August 17. The public is invited.

Artists whose works compose the show are Ingrid Blixt, Escanaba; co-curator Joyce Koskenmaki, Hancock; John Lundeen, Munising; Ron Lukey, Marquette; Jan Manniko, Keweenaw; Rex Marsh, Sault Ste. Marie; Eric Munch,  Calumet; Paul Osmak, Calumet; Vicki Allison Phillips, Marquette; Patrick St. Germaine, Marquette; co-curator Christine Saari, Marquette; and Peg Sandin, Ironwood. They and the exhibit will be celebrated at
an Artists’ Reception on Friday, August 17, at the Bonifas from 1 to 3 p.m.

The public is invited to attend receptions and tour exhibits at no charge. Celebration appears at the Bonifas through the generosity of Plum Creek Timber Company and
the Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Foundation. For more information,
call 786-3833.