Main Street Calumet’s Pasty Fest 2023 is proud to announce the world’s first Pasty Art Prize Competition sponsored by Visit Keweenaw. Artists from across the Upper Peninsula have an opportunity to submit pasty-themed artwork. The pieces and installations will be displayed in local Calumet businesses, allowing customers and community members to explore Calumet’s gorgeous, historic downtown and vote on their favorite pieces. The voting period will last for 30 days, and the top three pieces will be announced on Saturday, Aug. 19 during Pasty Fest 2023 in Calumet. The 1st place winner will receive $300 in Keweenaw Cash, 2nd place takes $150 and 3rd will receive $50.

Pasty Fest 2023 is excited to partner with Upper Peninsula artists of all ages to explore our food heritage through art. The competition gives individuals the opportunity to express their connections to pasties in a unique way. The world’s first Pasty Art Prize Competition will engage the local community and drive exploration of our local small businesses and shops by displaying each piece in one of many downtown venues.

“The Keweenaw is home to many talented artists,” said Leah Polzien, Main Street Calumet executive director. “Creating the Pasty Fest Art Prize competition is a way of viewing the pasty and all its cultural significance, through a creative lens. Plus, it’s just going to be fun to see how the topic will be interpreted.”

The Pasty Fest Team is very excited to share the celebration of the pasty in downtown Calumet with residents and visitors alike! For more information or to secure vendor spaces for artisan, non-profit or other business vendors, visit www.mainstreetcalumet.com/pasty-fest.html or email leah@mainstreetcalumet.com.