Marquette – 7/30/11 – Saturday’s 53’rd showing of Art On The Rocks, sponsored by the Lake Superior Art Association, displayed artwork from over 175 artisans from across the United States. This being my first viewing, I was impressed that this event attracted such a diversity of work from a wide geographic area.
- Copper Sprinklers
The exhibited artwork ranged from stoneware pottery, precious metal jewelers and silversmiths to varying degrees of glassware creations, a wide variety of photography and prints, laminated and exotic woodworking, oil and watercolor painting. The assortment was vast. This being my first visit to such an extensive collection of art reminded me of our first trip to Washington, D. C. and only having 8 hours to sight-see. Fortunately, the outdoor exhibit is a two day affair, running Saturday, July 30th from 10am – 6 pm and Sunday, July 31stfrom 10 am – 5pm.
Many local artists from Marquette County, such as John Hubbard of Gwinn, were a part to the exhibition as well as many neighboring counties from across the U. P. ; also a vast showing from artists scattered across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Others also traveled from neighboring Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio. There were participants from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina and several from California.
Ed Risak of Risak Pottery of Marquette had me intrigued at the appearance of his raku style pottery. An art form dating back to 16thcentury Japan, he has experimented with his own glazing approach by using iron and copper during his firing process. He had then experimented with his own use of covering each piece with sawdust, which burns off during the oxidation stage to result in his own unique metallic-like appearance.
A brisk, 5 minute sun shower momentarily interrupted the afternoon but that just afforded the public an opportunity the seek shelter under near-by exhibits for a more lengthy examination.
I will have to make a more determined effort to schedule time again next year to visit this exquisite collection of quality artwork. I commend the Lake Superior Art Association for their outstanding work focused toward making this event so enjoyable.
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