Calumet Art Center - A Wonderful Place To Play

I've met more artists living here than I have met in my entire life!  Maybe it is because the cold winter months provide enough time for those who are not "outdoorsy" to hone a craft, or maybe artsy people move here just because the location provides inspiration...but really, does it matter why they are here - they are here. 

Nearby (nine miles north of Houghton) is the little town of Calumet.  It is the art center for the entire Upper Peninsula...and probably all of Michigan.  It has theaters (live theater), small shops owned by artists, galleries, and a wonderful little place that aspires young and old alike to jump into the arts and PLAY!!  Neighbors and visitors are welcome.

Gift Shop and Gallery

According to their web site, The Calumet Art Center combines human creativity and scholarship to strengthen and appreciate historic and cultural values and encourages unique expression. They offer memberships, private lessons, classes (no membership needed to take a class), loan equipment (that you may not want to purchase until you have tried the art or craft), and they even have staff on site to assist you in all aspects of art types they have to offer. They teach everything from spinning, weaving, knitting, pottery,

I know, this post sounds like an advertisement for the center, but I can't help it - I've taken a weaving class there and I think the place provides a wonderful service to the community, area and state.

The Center is very quaint, residing in a small old church. The group has a bare-bones budget but you'd never know it when it comes to service and dedication. You can visit their web site Calumet Art Center for unique art. 

Here are some photos from their basement shop, gallery and equipment lab.  They even work with kids - boy, would I have enjoyed their summer camps!
 
They even have floor looms they will loan out, if you want to try your hand at weaving cloth or rugs. 

They have supplies out the wazzoo!  They accept donations of supplies, equipment, and of course, money - and the community benefits from it because they are non-profit. 
 

They have some amazing hand made cards - see below:

Here is where they hold some of their classes - kids and adults.

Looms and warping boards galore!  I just learned how to weave the most wonderfully thick and beautiful Finnish wool rug.


I'm happy to live around artists - they are fun folks, quirky (I'll give you that), but they seem to laugh more and that makes living all the better!

Now, go out and add a little art to your life, if not, find an artist for a friend and enjoy life!