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Creativity honored

Kerry Yost, winner of the Performing Artist award at this year’s city of Marquette Art Awards, performs “The Gift” at Saturday’s ceremony. Winners were recognized in various categories at the annual event. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

MARQUETTE — In a way, it’s the Oscars of the local arts and culture scene.

The city of Marquette Arts and Culture Center hosted the annual Art Awards on Saturday at the MACC, located in the lower level of the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

The ceremony honored outstanding artistic achievement by area residents, organizers said.

This year’s award recipients were: Cindy Wedig, Outstanding Visual Artist; Madgoodies Studio, Art Business; Jake Fether, Arts Educator; Layla Vickers, Outstanding Youth; Milton Bates, Outstanding Writer; Kerry Yost, Outstanding Performing Artist; Judy Parlato, Special Recognition; the Marquette City Band, Community Arts Organization; the Marquette Makers’ Project, Arts Advocate and JoAnn Shelby, Arts Volunteer.

“Community services exist to encourage, develop and facilitate services and resources that enhance the quality of life and well-being for our entire community,” said Tiina Harris, community services manager of arts and culture for the city of Marquette. “This is precisely why I consider tonight the singular most important event the arts and culture division provides, because tonight we take a moment and thank those who enhance our quality of life, making our fair city vibrant, magical and alive, who make Marquette a place to visit, to enjoy and to make a home.”

Marquette Mayor Pro Tem Jenn Hill also spoke at the ceremony.

“We’re celebrating the cultural traditions that we have andwe’re celebrating the learning and transmitting of that knowledge from young folks to older folks and all the way around in our community,” Hill said.

City of Marquette Arts and Culture Advisory Chairman Walt Lindala called the event “an evening a celebration of creativity and also people that take the time to do things that make us think and make our lives better.”

Lindala noted the trophies were designed by local artist Dale Wedig.

As with many awards ceremonies, the recipients who were on hand at the event received trophies and gave speeches.

Yost acknowledged she isn’t much of a public speaker.

She is, though, an accomplished singer, and Yost credited a supportive community for helping her with her craft.

“I don’t know that I would be a performer if I hadn’t moved to Marquette,” Yost said.

Parlato advocated encouraging and challenging other people.

“I’m a ‘no-fear quilter,'” she said.

Providing entertainment during the awards ceremony were Yost; Bates; a tuba performance by Lantz Whitfield, P. David Allen, Steve Grugin and Tom Bronken; and Adam Sawfox.

A reception with the Lake Superior Art Association’s 43rd annual Juried Members’ Exhibit, which will be on display at the Deo Gallery in the MACC through Jan. 30, preceded the awards. The exhibit encompasses a variety of media — from painting to photography to 3D works — produced by members of the LSAA.

The LSAA exhibition awards also were announced during the reception. Matt Hirvonen’s “Basket Illusion No. 1” was named best of show. First place went to Ben Bohnsack for “Flowers,” with second place going to Kathy Bull for “North Shore.”

Madeline Goodman received an honorable mention for “Walk in the Woods,” as did Susan Roubal for “Tollhouse: Wetland.”

The DeLoach First Time Exhibitor Award went to Vicki Londerville for “Uncommon Grackles.”

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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