MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Peter White Public Library in Marquette is hosting an art exhibit showcasing the work of the top local high school artists held its opening reception Thursday evening.
The idea came from art teachers from Marquette, Gwinn, Ishpeming, and Negaunee high schools. They wanted to bring together all the finest artists from their respective schools and put on an art exhibit worthy of any gallery.
“It’s so cool to see everybody’s uniqueness in what they create and how special that can be. Yeah, it’s really motivating to feel surrounded by other people who share the same passion for creating that I do,” said Marquette senior Raina Doughty.
The show grew out of a shared love of art and expression. All the artists are members of “Art in Excellence”, a group of serious art students from across the county chosen for their talent by the art faculty at each school.
“The art teachers in the area got together and decided that there are so many extracurriculars for things like sports and other clubs, but the arts are kind of lacking, and so we decided to start this club, Artists and Excellence,” said art teacher Jake Fether.
Marquette High School senior Raina Doughty explains what goes into a show like this.
“So we had a couple of months to make pieces that were directly for this exhibit itself. So it was really special to think about what do I actually want to have on the wall here that is like exhibited and in a beautiful space? So it felt really intentional when I was making my pieces,” said Doughty.
Raina Doughty says art gives her a voice, a voice that doesn’t always need words.
“It’s such a beautiful way for me, personally, to find my voice in places I don’t have it, or express experiences that feel like they can’t be expressed through words. I think focusing on that, like creativity and authenticity that can be brought out through artistic expression, is so important,” said Doughty.
