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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula June 24, 2003 Press release, logo and photo © 2003 Keweenaw Krayons. Published with permission.

Keweenaw Krayons to hold Fish Boil, Garden Sculpture Contest June 29

MOHAWK -- Music, Food and Art are top on the agenda for Keweenaw County this weekend as Keweenaw Krayons sponsors the first annual Fish Boil and Garden Sculpture Contest on Sunday afternoon, June 29, at Allouez Township Park in Mohawk.

The event will begin at noon with dinner served from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The menu includes a choice of boned cod, brats and hot dogs as well as potatoes, onion, coleslaw and rye bread -- all for $7. Tickets are available at the Ramblin' Rose Art Center in Mohawk. In case of rain the event will be held in the Legion Hall.

All musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in the festivities. Art may be completed at home or on site. A special prize will be given for winning art started and completed on site.

The deadline for registration is 4 p.m. the day of the contest. Judging begins at 5 p.m. with winners announced and cash prizes given at 6 p.m. Artists need not be present to win. The winners will donate their art piece to Ahmeek and Mohawk Parks.

"Those not chosen as winners will also have the opportunity to donate their art for permanent display in either park," said Garden Director Tammy Mottonen Effinger.

Ideas for art pieces range from chain-saw carving to birdhouse making to garden furniture creations. The contest is open to all ages, and family teams are encouraged to participate. The only requirement is the art theme be garden- or outdoor-oriented and be able to withstand Keweenaw winters.

This fundraiser is to help meet the $5,000 cash match for the $20,000 pARTners Grant awarded to Keweenaw Krayons. The grant is funding the sculpture and garden projects taking place in Mohawk and Ahmeek Parks this summer. One only has to wander through the greenhouse at the Ramblin' Rose Arts Center or the community garden in Ahmeek to see what the youth of the area have been doing with their summer. Donated plants and seedlings from the greenhouse have also been planted in the "Triangle Garden" on US 41, Mohawk.

Artists to paint mural in Mohawk

Beaver chews such as the one in this photo will be used to create a beaver sculpture for Ahmeek. Artists Patti Pawlicki and Martin Herrera will assist Ahmeek community members in the project. (Photo © 2003 and courtesy Keweenaw Krayons. Reprinted with permission.)

The use of the bear and beaver themes draws on the rich heritage of each community. Ahmeek is a Chippewa Indian word meaning "beaver." The old Indian spelling of the word is ahmuk. In the mining days the community was located on damp ground and attracted many beavers. Some of this damp ground still exists in the park, and the youth have been learning which plants and bushes grow well there.

The name Mohawk comes from the Iroquois Indian word maqua, which means "bear." Beavers and bears still live in the woods and rivers surrounding Mohawk and Ahmeek. By using them as the theme for the parks and garden projects, the artists hope to promote interest in the history of the communities.

Garden projects need volunteers

Tammy noted raised flower beds, which will accommodate wheel chairs or stools for those not able to bend or kneel to garden, will be built in each community. The one in Mohawk will be placed in front of the Community Building and Ahmeek's will be in located in the park.

To obtain more information, to purchase tickets to the fish boil or to register for the Garden Sculpture Contest call 337-4706 or email staff@KeweenawKrayons.com.

This activity is supported by the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies in conjunction with The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Ruth Mott Foundation.

Keweenaw Krayons Art Activities for Week of June 24

Thurs., June 26. 4-H. Ramblin' Rose Arts Center, Mohawk. (Call Nicki at 337-6113 for information.)

Wed., June 25, and Fri., June 27, noon to 3 p.m. Keweenaw Krayons Summer Art Program, Ramblin’ Rose Arts Center, Mohawk.

For more information about Keweenaw Krayons, including their membership drive, visit the Keweenaw Krayons Web site. or call 337-4706.

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