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Art on the Rocks top juried show

From left, Isabella King, 14, and Macy King, 10, of Seattle, Washington, gaze at the ceramic work of Kelly Kaatz of Ferndale, at the annual Art on the Rocks art festival at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Art is not just for museums, it’s for everybody, and everybody is invited to check out Art on the Rocks.

The 60th annual Art on the Rocks event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Artists, both local and from around the country, come to sell their work.

Art on the Rocks began in 1959 when 35 artists came together, organized by Anita E. Meyland, to celebrate their work. Today, the event has grown to more than 140 artists and hosts more than 10,000 vistors every year. This is a long-standing event that has seen a lot of history in Marquette, said Jason Limberg, director of Art on the Rocks.

“There’s a lot of art pride,” Limberg said. “It brings in a nice influx of tourism that filters into downtown businesses.”

A jury of three walks the grounds during the first day to judge artists on their work, in terms of craftsmanship and creativity, and decide on winners by Sunday morning, giving out ribbons and securing prizes totaling $5,000. The categories are Best of Show, Best of 2D and Best of 3D. Winning artists often display their ribbons, said Limberg.

Art on the Rocks is not just a competition. Artists set up booths to sell their work with mediums ranging greatly, from ceramics to watercolors to print and photography. Additionally, there will be products of all price ranges available, Limberg said.

Events like this make for a shared sense of community, Limberg said.

Jeff Maki can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 254.

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