A cherished Upper Peninsula summer tradition is returning to the shores of Lake Superior as the 66th Annual Art on the Rocks Fine Art Show prepares to welcome art lovers from across the region. We spoke with event Director Lex Exworthy to discuss what attendees can look forward to at this year's landmark event.
This is the 66th Art on the Rocks, while the host organization (the Lake Superior Art Association) celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1951, the LSAA has spent three-quarters of a century fostering local creativity through workshops, classes, and exhibition opportunities.
The art fair itself dates back to 1959, when a gathering of 35 artists set up display booths on the rocky terrain beneath the Father Marquette statue. Decades later, it’s grown into one of the state's biggest fine art shows, hosting over 100 local, regional, and national artists.
The event’s rotating jury process brings in new jurors with varying specialties each season. Visitors can expect a diverse showcase spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber arts, and jewelry.
This year's fest brings in a partnership with the Northern Michigan University Student Art League. The collaboration gives emerging college artists real-world experience navigating the professional art fair circuit. Furthermore, SAL members will oversee Pebble Corner, a dedicated space offering free art activities for attendees of all ages.
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Exworthy about Art on the Rocks:
Art on the Rocks takes place at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in downtown Marquette on Saturday, July 25th from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, July 26th from 10 am to 4 pm.
Find out more at marquetteartontherocks.com.
