Those in and around the Marquette area will have plenty to do next week as the annual Marquette Art Week kicks off Monday and continues all week.

The yearly event brings together local artists, businesses and other organization to celebrate the rich and diverse art scene in the Marquette area.

Better yet, all of the week’s events are free and open to the public.

This year, the Art Week theme is “Grow,” which draws inspiration from several ongoing city capital improvement projects. Those include the renovation of the former chamber of commerce building at 501 S. Front St. into a cultural center and trailhead and the Shoreline Cultural Trail and the Peg Hirvonen Band Shell.

More than 200 artists and other entities will be paritcipating in Art Week, with displays and performances taking place all week throughout the city of Marquette.

Art Week kicks off early, at 5:45 a.m. at McCarty’s Cove with the Opening Sunrise Ceremony and will feature 2023 City of Marquette Writer of the Year Marty Achatz who will be reading a poem.

Another major kickoff event takes place Monday evening at the Marquette Commons, with a musical performance by Michigan favorites Rachael Davis and Cloverland. The free show is family friendly and will take place from 6-8 p.m. and is presented by the Hiawatha Music Co-op.

Marquette Art Week is another in a long line of summer activities in the area and a great way to celebrate the rich cultural scene that continues to blossom in the Marquette area.

We highly suggest heading out next week to get a taste of that culture while supporting the many local artists and organizations who will be involved.

For a full list of events, visit www.mqtcompass.com.