Mixed-media piece called “Albino” by Carol Phillips. (Courtesy photos)

MARQUETTE — An art exhibit featuring Upper Peninsula-focused artwork with a message of countering hate and building love opened Friday night in Marquette and will be displayed throughout the month of March.

The exhibition — which is held at The Creative House at 102 Harlow Block, at the corner of Washington and Front streets — is part of the Building Love: Imagine series that’s organized by members of Forward Action Michigan-Upper Peninsula. The five-month long series is aimed at countering hate in local communities in hopes to create positive social changes.

Judy Kitchen, who’s spearheading the Building Love series, said artists at the reception gave “very powerful” speeches about their work and explained the “personal input of their pieces.”

Artwork from Michael Zuhorski, Alexandra Kralova, PJ Stephens, Conway McLean, Christine Saari, Daniel Jarvis and Carol Phillips is currently displayed at The Creative House for the Countering Hate exhibit.

The Creative House is a contemporary art space, exhibiting works of local and national artists, promoting collective dialogue and bringing like-minded people together. Lali Khalid, co-owner of The Creative House, said she hopes the art show will raise awareness in the community.

“My hope is that with a show like this, we can create awareness and try countering the hate,” Khalid said in a press release.

The exhibit runs all month and is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Aside from the art exhibit, the Building Love: Imagine series has several more events planned until May. The events will be held at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette, and are as follows:

• March 28 — “Bystander Training,” presented by Neighbors for a Kinder Community, which is to be followed by a short play focusing on respect for other cultures;

• April 5 — Poetry to celebrate the earth;

• April 12 — The U.P. Environment – an interactive World Cafe-style conversation. About six different group will provide information regarding the environment, water, mine protection, energy and more;

• May 9 — “From Alaska to Our Neighborhoods: What helps children thrive?” Linda Remsburg of Grow and Lead: Community and Youth Development, Jaimie Dieterle and Jane Pajot will be presenting on raising awareness of community struggles. Pajot is a retired educator who was a substitute teacher in a remote Alaskan village;

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May 14 — “Do it for Daniel,” a documentary presented by Ishpeming High School football coach Jeff Olson about recognizing depression in youth and children at risk.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is jdepew@miningjournal.net.