For over 30 years, public arts advocate and organizer Mary Biekkola Wright led art projects in communities across the Upper Peninsula. To commemorate her life and legacy, the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is hosting the event, “Hats Off to Mary: a Mary Wright Reunion,” on July 8, at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center in Gries Hall on the campus of Northern Michigan University. Admission is free to the public and there will be snacks and light beverages served.
The Center encourages anyone who was involved in one of Mary Wright’s projects or were friends of Mary to attend this event to celebrate her life and impact on the communities of the Upper Peninsula. In addition, attendees will be able to view the Beaumier Center’s current exhibition, “Mary Biekkola Wright: A Retrospective 1986-2011.” This exhibit features dozens of artifacts from the public art projects Mary led plus photographs and information on the different projects.
In addition to the refreshments, the event will feature speakers, a video sharing booth, music, and lots of great memories and comradery. Attendees are encouraged to wear hats in honor of Mary’s love of headwear.