MARQUETTE — Travel Marquette announces a new art exhibition by Julie Highlen, of Northwoods Art Studio, that will be on display in the Travel Marquette Center as of May 19.

The artwork will be installed on May 19 and remain on display through the end of June. Highlen’s work, inspired by the natural landscapes and wildlife of the Upper Peninsula is described as “mood painting” with her work “capturing the serenity of the moment,” like “taking a vacation on canvas.”

Highlen’s paintings pay homage to Lake Superior and the north woods neighborhood and range from 3 x3 up to 36 x48 — so far.

Julie Highlen’s passion for exploring the outdoors fuels her passion for painting natural landscapes and wildlife on canvas. Since childhood, Highlen has enjoyed looking at, climbing on and studying rocks and trees, as well as exploring nature’s treasures.

Highlen describes the Upper Peninsula as providing opportunities for her to immerse herself in the natural world, leading to a contemplative mood and feeling of contentment. Highlen’s paintings are inspired by things that touch her heart — a weathered boulder supporting a family of cedars clinging to life on its surface; a lone tree, reaching toward the clouds that water it; or a lonely lighthouse, no longer in active service but still standing guard, reminding people of how they need to continue watching out for one another.

In addition to the new artwork at Travel Marquette, Highlen’s work can be found at Zero Degrees Art Gallery in Marquette, Open Wings Pottery and Gallery in Munising, Art in Abundance in Grand Marais and by contacting Julie directly. In addition, the artist plans to participate in the Outback Art Fair in Marquette this summer, as well as the plein air painting competition in Grand Marais, Minnesota, this fall.