Anita Meyland

MARQUETTE — Marquette trailblazer Anita Meyland will be honored at the Lake Superior Art Association’s event: Celebrate the History of Art and Culture in Marquette.

Meyland was a driving force in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s in Marquette. Most notably, she organized the first Art on the Rocks, an event that goes on to this day.

The LSAA will celebrate the rich history of art in Marquette on Meyland’s birthday, March 5, with a social hour featuring appetizers and cake at 6:30 p.m in Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center.

A cash bar will also be present along with a signature cocktail called ‘Art on the Rocks.’

Meyland was a highly educated woman in her field. She was the proud recipient of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art from two separate universities.

To allow today’s youth to pursue their passion for the arts, a LSAA Art and Design scholarship was established in honor of Meyland in 1992.

This year’s scholarship recipient is Riley Porier, a sophomore from Iron Mountain.

A silent auction will be held at the event to raise scholarship funds.

One such item in the silent auction is a valuable Nita Engle watercolor print. There is also an experience up for grabs: a private wine tasting hosted by Sean Hartwig at the Zephyr.

The highlight of the event will be a retrospective about Meyland and the mid-century art scene in the Upper Peninsula.

Presenters Jack Deo and Ann Hilton Fisher will share photographs and stories from Meyland’s life.

Meyland’s was also members was a member of the U.P. Craft Organization and the Yarn Winders and held leadership positions in the Marquette County Arts Council, the Saturday Music Club and the Marquette Community Concert Association.

To find out more about the historical figure, Anita Meyland, tickets for the LSAA’s event are available to be purchased online at lakesuperiorartassociation.org. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be offered at the door.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.