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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula April 28, 2005   Text and photos © 2005 Finlandia University. Reprinted with permission.

Calumet's Vertin Gallery to hold reception, Open House for Finlandia art installation Apr. 29 - May 1

HANCOCK -- Throughout the month of April, local artist Phyllis Fredendall, instructor for the Finlandia University International School of Art and Design, and her students have been creating an art installation titled "Stories and Place, a Celebration" in the Vertin Gallery of the historic Vertin Building in Calumet. A reception will be held at the culmination of the installation from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29. The Vertin Building will also celebrate its 120th birthday with an Open House from Friday through Sunday. Everyone is invited to attend.

Phyllis Fredendall, local artist and Finlandia art instructor, and her students will celebrate the culmination of their art installation, "Stories and Place, a Celebration," from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 29, in the Vertin Gallery of the historic Vertin Building in Calumet. (Photo © 2005 and courtesy Finlandia University.)

Fredendall invited her sculpture students to "engage the space" with her. The students visited the building and were inspired by its openness and rich history. Several students have created site-specific maquettes (small-scale models) intended to find full-scale expression in the final exhibit. 

The installation in the 6,000 sq. ft. Vertin Gallery explores stories, maps and the relationship of place to memory. Fredendall also invited community members to visit the gallery and to share their own stories relating to Calumet, the Vertin Building, or the Lake Superior shore so that these personal recollections could be collected in written form and "woven" into the exhibit.

Built in 1885, the historic Vertin Building served for over 50 years as a bustling department store. Located in the heart of Calumet on the corner of Oak and Sixth streets, the four-story building was largely abandoned following its closure in 1986, but was recently reopened as a showcase for area artists. The building is now home to a community of artists working in painting, photography, pottery, wood and glass.

The Vertin Building celebrates its 120th birthday this weekend. An Open House Celebration, featuring Fredendall's installation, will be held in the Vertin Gallery from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Apr. 29, and Saturday, Apr. 30, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1. For more information contact the gallery at 906-337-2200 or vertingallery@pasty.com.

The Vertin Gallery is located at 220 Sixth Street in Calumet. Regular Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is closed Mondays. 

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