MARQUETTE — Marquette’s First Thursdays returns for a special holiday edition from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

The First Thursdays program features a citywide experience when gallery owners and the artists they represent welcome the community into their studios.

Visitors enjoy food, drink and conversation with some of Marquette’s finest painters, sculptors, woodworkers, jewelry designers and other artists on the self-guided tour.

One-of-a-kind gifts are also available.

The First Thursdays program promotes area talent, invites visitors to explore the local art scene and helps to forge a strong creative community. For artists, the work on display is the passion of their lives, and they want to share it with the world. It also gives attendees the opportunity to view and purchase 100% original pieces.

In a press release, program organizers say shopping local benefits everyone. It says that for every $100 spent locally, between $68 and $70 goes back into the local community.

“With holiday shopping in full swing, it is more important than ever to support small businesses and local talent,” the press release states. “In Michigan’s Upper (Peninsula), the region is blessed with stunning natural wonders year-round. Come out and see how local artists capture the beauty of cold and brilliant winters, and discover the magic of this unique community.”

First Thursdays is organized by a committee of participating artists and supported by the Lake Superior Art Association and partnered with the City of Marquette. Sponsors include Edge Partnerships for event branding and social media marketing and Travel Marquette for a printed event guide.

Maps of participating galleries and studio locations are available at the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Office at the Peter White Public Library and other participating locations.

The map and a detailed event guide can be found online. Visit mqtcompass.com/first-thursdays/ and follow Facebook and Instagram pages at @MqtFirstThursdays.

For more information on First Thursdays, contact Gianna Ferraro at 906-250-9117.