Forest Spirits by Joyce Koskenmaki
CCCAC Kerredge Gallery: May 8 – June 1, 2024
Opening Reception and Gallery Talk: Thursday, May 9 from 6-7:30
The Copper Country Community Arts Center's Kerredge Gallery has a new display of drawings, paintings, and sculpture by Hancock artist, Joyce Koskenmaki May 8 through June 1.
Forest Spirits by Joyce Koskenmaki includes drawings, paintings, and sculpture depicting trees, waterfalls, and animals, all made within the last year and a half. In her artist statement Joyce says, “My work reflects my surroundings, here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This particular kind of north woods landscape, its trees, rocks, lakes, waterfalls, animals are what imprinted me as a child and to which I came back in 1998, looking for that which felt like home.”
The trees are shapes inspired by the ancient trees in Calumet Cemetery. The Field Sketching Group met there last summer to draw the trees. Koskenmaki is Finnish for waterfalls on a hill. Its no wonder Joyce is inspired to draw them. The Silver River in Baraga County extends from the top of the hill in Herman which is her ancestral home, to Huron Bay in a series of cascading waterfalls.
The sculptures are of imaginary animals, their heads are made of fired and painted clay, and the limbs and wings are sticks and feathers found on the beach. The bodies are made from precious old fabric scraps given to her by friends. She says, “Making these little doll-like animals gives me great comfort. I've made dolls all of my life and can't seem to stop.” She goes on to say, “I connect these little creatures to the environment as kind of protector spirits both for the trees and water as well as to us who live here and are concerned about the health and safety and beauty of our natural surroundings.”
Everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating Joyce Koskenmaki and her art on Thursday, May 9th 6-7:30. She will give a brief talk about her work and inspiration and refreshments will be served. This exhibition is supported in part by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10-2.
CCCAC Kerredge Gallery: May 8 – June 1, 2024
Opening Reception and Gallery Talk: Thursday, May 9 from 6-7:30
The Copper Country Community Arts Center's Kerredge Gallery has a new display of drawings, paintings, and sculpture by Hancock artist, Joyce Koskenmaki May 8 through June 1.
Forest Spirits by Joyce Koskenmaki includes drawings, paintings, and sculpture depicting trees, waterfalls, and animals, all made within the last year and a half. In her artist statement Joyce says, “My work reflects my surroundings, here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This particular kind of north woods landscape, its trees, rocks, lakes, waterfalls, animals are what imprinted me as a child and to which I came back in 1998, looking for that which felt like home.”
The trees are shapes inspired by the ancient trees in Calumet Cemetery. The Field Sketching Group met there last summer to draw the trees. Koskenmaki is Finnish for waterfalls on a hill. Its no wonder Joyce is inspired to draw them. The Silver River in Baraga County extends from the top of the hill in Herman which is her ancestral home, to Huron Bay in a series of cascading waterfalls.
The sculptures are of imaginary animals, their heads are made of fired and painted clay, and the limbs and wings are sticks and feathers found on the beach. The bodies are made from precious old fabric scraps given to her by friends. She says, “Making these little doll-like animals gives me great comfort. I've made dolls all of my life and can't seem to stop.” She goes on to say, “I connect these little creatures to the environment as kind of protector spirits both for the trees and water as well as to us who live here and are concerned about the health and safety and beauty of our natural surroundings.”
Everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating Joyce Koskenmaki and her art on Thursday, May 9th 6-7:30. She will give a brief talk about her work and inspiration and refreshments will be served. This exhibition is supported in part by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10-2.
2024 Exhibition Schedule
January
February March April May June July August Sept. October November December |
Closed to the public
Animal Life - Art from the Kalevala, community call Celebrate Youth Arts Month “Art in Silico” April 2-6 | Bill and Edith Wiard April 9-May 4. Opening Reception: Thursday, April 11 from 6-7:30pm “Forest Spirits” Joyce Koskenmaki May 7-June 1. Opening Reception: Thursday, May 9 from 6-7:30pm ---Summer 2024 Schedule TBA--- Shaft, community call 6X6 (Tentative) |
Exhibition Opportunities
Exhibitions in the Kerredge Gallery at the Copper Country Community Arts Center are scheduled a year in advance. If you would like to be considered for an exhibition for 2025, contact Cynthia Cote at cynthia@coppercountryarts.com with a proposal and 5-7 images of your work for consideration.
Exhibitions in the Kerredge Gallery at the Copper Country Community Arts Center are scheduled a year in advance. If you would like to be considered for an exhibition for 2025, contact Cynthia Cote at cynthia@coppercountryarts.com with a proposal and 5-7 images of your work for consideration.