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HOUGHTON -- The 15th annual Keweenaw Art Affair returns to Houghton this Saturday with a lineup of more than 40 local artists and craft persons.
The event, which will take place in the Houghton High School gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 13, will showcase an extensive selection of art mediums. It's a great opportunity to support local artists, and to do some holiday shopping.
"We've got a good selection of artists," said Keweenaw Art Affair Chair Ronda Bogan. "Potters, photographers, jewelers, quilters, floral, photography, soaps, candles, chocolates, and watercolors," she listed.
The fair is a juried show, meaning artists must apply to participate in the event. It seeks to showcase the finest local and regional artwork and craftsmanship.
This year, the fair will include several new artists. Bogan expressed her own excitement to see the craftsmanship of these new additions. "It's interesting to see a whole new crop of newer artists," she said.
The 2020 Keweenaw Art Affair had to be canceled due to COVID-19. But despite challenges presented by the lingering pandemic, Bogan expects a strong turnout for this year's event.
"From what I've heard and what I've seen myself, the sale of art is really up," she said. "People are doing their shopping at home and around home as they're trying to get ready for Christmas."
In addition to the artists, the fair will also feature several non-profit charity groups. "Every year we've donated space to 501(c)(3)s that come in, like the Friends of the Porkies, or Habitat for Humanity," Bogan explained.
This year, the show will include a fundraiser for the Copper Country Humane Society. If you bring a picture of your pet, an artist will draw a portrait for a donation of $20 to the Humane Society.
The Houghton High School Sports Booster club will be offering concessions, including baked goods, during the event.
Any proceeds that the Keweenaw Art Affair makes from vendor fees will be donated to art programs in local schools. "We give them money to give our students scholarships, and then we give money to Houghton. and Hancock high school and elementary schools, for their art programs so they can buy art supplies." Said Bogan. "We're just basically there to support the arts."
More information about the event is available on the Keweenaw Art Affair Facebook page.