‘Reflections from the Great Lakes’ at Bonifas

ESCANABA - The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center is calling for entries in all media from Native American artists in Michigan and Wisconsin. Submissions for "Reflections from the Great Lakes" must be received at the Arts Center by Saturday, Aug. 1.

The exhibit seeks to introduce and showcase current work of Native American artists and encourage the creativity of native crafters. Special attention will be given to art work inspired by cultural heritage.

All mediums are welcome. Entry is open to all Native American residents ages 18 and older of Michigan and Wisconsin. There are no size limitations. To encourage new work, pieces must have been completed within the last two years and must be original work from idea to product.

Reflections will share the two-story gallery with "Distant Thunder," traveling works from Ferris State University by native artists in Canada and the United States. The overall display is called Living Traditions: Current Artwork from Native People, and is sponsored by funding from the Hannahville Tribe 2 percent fund and The Ubuntu Circle.

Juror for the show is Michael L. Alloway Sr., Director of the Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center. An enrolled member of the Forest County Potawatomi, his education was received from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1988. He now serves as Director of the Forest County Potawatomi Communities' Cultural Center, Library & Museum and on the Folk & Traditional Arts Grants Review Panel for the Wisconsin Arts Board in Madison, Wis.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

Two Thrivent Financial Choice Awards in the amount of $200 each and a purchase prize sponsored by Thrivent for Lutherans will be awarded at the Reception on Thursday, Sept. 24. A Bonifas Viewer's Choice Award and two Ubuntu Viewers' Choice Awards in the amount of $100 each will be presented at the close of the exhibit.

In addition to the two exhibits, a Studio Exhibit features collaborations between Native students and artists, and student work from Northern Michigan University's Writing With Light project. A series of workshops teaching native arts is set for Saturdays beginning Sept. 19. Tours will be offered to school children in the area for the duration of the exhibit.

For more information, call 786-3833 or visit www.bonifasarts.org.