Call to Artists: 2nd Annual Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve Art Walk

Call to Artists: 2nd Annual Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve Art Walk

Posted by Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy

Posted: Jun, 09, 2021

Calls for Artists

Website: https://www.uplandconservancy.org/

 (906) 225-8067

 102 W Washington St. Suite 213, Marquette, MI, 49855

The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy extends an invitation to artists to submit their work for the 2nd Annual Chocolay Bayou Art Walk and Sale. UPLC will be selecting up to 12 artists in any media to display and sell their art along the trails of the Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve on Sunday, August 21 from 11:00am-6:00pm.

The Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve is a 13-acre gem tucked between Marquette and Harvey just inland from Lake Superior. The blend of rich water from the Chocolay River into the old beach ridges and marshy lowlands creates the multiple micro-habitats of the Bayou with an astounding diversity of life for such a compact nugget of land. The submitted art pieces should reflect this interconnectedness and complexity.

Humans have added to the complexity of the Bayou. Bisecting this area is the boundary of the 1842 Copper Treaty of La Pointe between the early settlers and the Anishinaabeg. NMU archeology students are also exploring traces of early western settlements and the area's first steam sawmill and furnaces.

The Chocolay community worked hard to raise the $165,000 to preserve the Bayou in 2016 and continues to help maintain the preserve and enjoy its beauty on a daily basis. The public will be invited to hike, view, admire, and perhaps buy the exhibited art.

Applications will be available on June 1st and should be submitted along with example pieces not later than July 15th. Selections will be made by Aug 1st. There is no fee for registration or participation.

Display sites will be located along the trails between the North Entrance on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and the South Entrance on Main Street in Harvey, next to the Bayou Bungalows. Volunteers will help move your tables, chairs, art and other equipment from the drop off area to your site and then help carry out at the end. You can set up your display as you wish so long as you do not damage plants or animals, nor put fasteners into trees.

RULES AND INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS

The Art Walk and Sale is at the Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve in Harvey. The check in entrance is on Main Street, just west of the Bayou Bungalows, and across from the Lake Superior Smokehouse and Brewery. The event takes place Sunday August 21, from 11:00am till 6:00pm, with set up starting at 10:00am. Artists, or a designated volunteer, are expected to be at the event the entire time.

1)  Artists shall do no damage to plants and animals, including avoiding putting fasteners or otherwise penetrating trees for display purposes. String or rope lines between trees are allowed, but must be taken down at the end of the Art Walk. Art may be hung on the trees or propped against them, or tucked into branches as well.

2)  Artists are allowed and encouraged to bring other work with them beyond their submitted piece, and to sell their work. Artists are responsible for conducting all sales and handling taxes accordingly. Please note that there is no Wifi available in the Preserve. Donations from proceeds of sales are encouraged but not required.

3)  Artists will be placed at pre-designated sites along the trails, in spots where there is adequate clearance for tables and other displays. Please note that we are in the woods; the terrain will be uneven and/or damp in spots. UPLC and volunteers will make sure sites are as amicable to setups as possible.

4)  Artists will bring whatever tables, chairs, easels and other display material that they need. You are welcome to bring family/friends who will help you. All gear will be carried in from the closest entrance. Volunteers will be on hand with carts to help carry gear in and out.

5)  We suggest that you bring seating, water, and snacks and be prepared for sun, bugs, and light showers; we’ll help you pack up in a hurry if it starts to pour or thunder!

6)  There will be a Porta-Potty at the main entrance. If you are alone at your site, volunteers will be available to watch it if you need to leave.

7)  Once artists are selected, a UPLC volunteer will give guided hikes through the Preserve for those who wish to attend to give you a sense of site layout and possibilities. You are, of course, welcome to come and walk it on your own at any time.

8)  The UPLC will appreciate you sticking to the trails and boardwalk at all times, with the exception of your site, to protect the integrity of the land.

9)  Artists and visitors will be required to strictly abide by current pandemic guidelines, whatever those may be at the time.