MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On April 10, the Lake Effect Community Arts Center will debut its second annual show for creators living within 100 miles of Manistique.
Open through April 23, Made U.P. showcases the wide variety of artists in the region, including established professionals, those experimenting with a new medium, and everything in between. Every submission is unique, with pieces ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and glasswork. However, they have been arranged in a way that creates a cohesive display of the area’s creativity.
“This show feels very cozy,” said Lake Effect Operations Manager Katie Birdsley. “It feels very much like an arm around you, like a close friend. Our exhibition director hangs on color and texture. Even without that, once it was all said and done, we still found the trees were friends, the birds were friends, and even some fun surprises with how the themes carried through. It really lent to that cozy feeling.”
Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite piece. The artist who earns the most votes will receive the $100 People’s Choice Award.
Because the show was open to anyone, Birdsley says Made U.P. is an opportunity for people who don’t consider themselves artists to see themselves in a new light.
“I had this joke where so many people tried telling me they weren’t artists, and it’s like, ‘We’re getting to the point I’m going to have to start beating somebody up because you, really, really are,'” she laughed. “I think that helps build confidence for people too, so they can see, ‘Yes, we do belong in a gallery at an exhibition. Our work is valuable and meaningful.'”
Made U.P. will open on Friday with a public reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and refreshments will be served. The show will be available to view from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and on Saturdays.
Lake Effect Community Arts is located at 244 South Cedar Street. For more information on Made U.P. and other upcoming events, visit the center’s Facebook page or lakeeffectarts.org.
