MENOMINEE, MICH. - Art for All, the beloved one-day art show and sale, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Sunday, June 28, at Great Lakes Memorial Marina Park in Menominee, Mich. The outdoor event will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This is the perfect stop on a Sunday afternoon,” said Laura Chaltry, secretary for Art for All. “...the beautiful bay of Green Bay is in the background, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the 30-plus artists booths and admire the talent.”
Originally founded by landscape photographer Mark Suchovsky in 1996, Art for All has become a cherished regional tradition through collaboration with the Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce and showcases artists from across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan through Wisconsin and beyond.
The support of then-chamber director Nancy Douglas and event chair Bonnie Coggins allowed the show to prosper alongside other major community events, eliciting an immediate and enthusiastic response from the community that has established a strong foundation for what has become a three-decade legacy.
Over the years, Art for All has featured a wide range of mediums including weaving, jewelry, glass, sculpture, pottery, wearable art, photography, painting, metalwork and woodworking.
Early U.P. artists such as nationally recognized wildlife artist Dietmar Krumrey, photographer Jack Deo, potter Richard Boyd and artist Ginny Cappaert have also contributed to the show’s success.
A few artists attending this year’s show will be Kim Buell for photography and jewelry, Julie Huebner for pottery and sculpture, Jim Birch for metal and wood and Joan Broughton for handmade soap.
Chaltry explained that the show doesn’t just benefit the viewers; it also benefits the artists.
“For some artists, this is an annual tradition. It’s a great, low-cost way to advertise and build their repeat customer base.”
“Art for All has always been about bringing artists and community together in a beautiful waterfront setting,” said Bonne Coggins, board member. “We are proud to celebrate 30 years of creativity, connection and support for the arts.”
The event will include live entertainment, including performances by First Street Academy of Dance and live music performed by Dynamic Duo.
“First Street Academy of Dance has been performing at Art for All for decades. For the graduating seniors it is their last performance, and some of them have performed here every year. Visitors will be impressed with the costume changes and the variety of dance skills they display for the audiences,” Chaltry said. “Dynamic Duo brings such a chill-vibe to the show. They play under the tree canopy with softer melodies, guests can usually hear some great throwback tunes that are fan favorites.”
Food and beverages will be available through local organizations, including the American Legion and the Menominee Area Arts Council, known for its kettle corn. The Menominee Area Arts Council also offers numerous activities that are family-friendly throughout the event.
“Shoppers can bring a piece of art home with them, whether it be décor, wearable art or functional pieces; all are handmade. A visitor can stay and watch the dancers, listen to the music, enjoy food from the American Legion or delicious Kiwanis kettle korn. There are activities for children and facepainting, it really has something for anyone,” Chaltry explained.
Since Art for All’s founding, the event has been sustained by the dedication of its volunteer board and community supporters and partners, including Advanced Blending Solutions, Stalheim Chiropractic, The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Kathy and Charlie Scoggins, ChemDesign, Hansen Onion Martell Funeral Home, Johnson & Rennie, LLC and Coggins Law. Organizers extended their thanks to community partners and volunteers who have worked to ensure a successful event, and that Mark Suchovsky’s vision of making art accessible to the entire community lives on even after his passing in 2001.
The event is free to the public, and all money raised goes toward hosting the event and presenting awards to artists, such as best new artist, best local artist, people’s choice and others.
Art for All, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting artists while enriching the cultural life of the Menominee area.
“For 30 years, this event has been introducing talented artists to the community and helping people connect with the art in various mediums,” Chaltry said. “It’s wonderful to bring something cultural [and] focused on creation that may inspire future artists. Art for All is glad to be part of the vibrant Menominee art scene and hope to continue being a catalyst for Menominee’s continued evolution.”
For more information, visit artforallinc.com or email artforallinc@gmail.com.
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