Artists | UP Arts & Culture Alliance

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Sol Anzorena

Illustrator; Jeweler; Mixed Media Artist; Muralist; Musician; Painter; Photographer; Vocalist/Singer

My name is Sol Anzorena, and I’m a visual artist, artisan and musician from Argentina, now living in Wakefield, MI. My work is principally inspired by the work of that greatest of artists, Nature Herself. For years I’ve been exploring the method and philosophy of creating art not just for the sake of aesthetics, but out of deep respect for the natural world, and so I use only sustainable and eco-friendly materials. I hope to inspire others join me on this journey, so that we all might reconnect with Nature and the peace that She brings.

Kathy Binoniemi

Muralist; Painter

Kathy Binoniemi is a native Yooper, born and raised in Negaunee, and now makes her home just north of the Dead River Basin. She has been drawing and painting with acrylic since childhood. She has been commissioned to paint murals in several buildings in Negaunee, illustrated the cover of a book, drew dozens of Model A Fords with Marquette landmarks as backdrops that led to a lucrative deal with the Model A Ford Club of America. She’s also designed the headstone of a member of MAFCA which is located in a California cemetery. About 5 years ago she discovered pastel painting and learning that art form has been her focus ever since. She loves depicting the woods, bluffs, lakes and streams of the Upper Peninsula, trying to capture the mood of the outdoors.

Sawftsea Chelsea Monaghan

Illustrator; Muralist; Painter

Sawftsea /soft-see/, aka Chelsea Monaghan, was born and raised in Michigan and currently lives in the Upper Peninsula on Anishinaabeg Land. Her style is bright and colorful. Inspired by the great lakes and the life it brings, her paintings often include plants, animals, and the history of her home.

Kathleen Conover

Painter; Teacher/Instructor

My life-long love of art was nurtured in the fertile environment of southern California’s prominent artists, museums and galleries. Academic fine art studies started at San Diego State University and commenced with a Master of Arts earned from Northern Michigan University. Continued studies with American master watercolor artists over the next decade enriched my depth, skills and personal style of painting. A full time artist, I exhibit internationally, jury exhibitions, give demonstrations and teach in-depth workshops internationally.

Tammy L Toj Gajewski

Ceramist; Craftsperson; Mixed Media Artist; Painter; Poet; Storyteller; Teacher/Instructor

At a very early age Tammy’s mother encouraged her creativity and supported her exploration of poetry, drawing, painting and animals. She attended university and learned the base of oil painting, ceramics, fiber arts, French translation and welding. She had one job after graduation related to fine arts and was fired after helping the owner buy a Matisse painting from the family; because her French translation skills were no longer needed. After 42 years in the blue collar work force which included 23 years with the Department of Corrections she retired to do art full time. Her therapist stated that the mere act of creativity will help moderate her PTSD, keep her depression at bay, and help heal the tremendous loss of family. Today Tammy has made her own family, loves her two career changed Leader Dogs for the Blind, practices meditation in the Thick Nhat Han tradition, and has her own studio to paint and create in on Lake Superior. Her wife of twenty years tells her often to go to the studio and Tammy returns refreshed and vibrant. She has shown her work at several shows in the Upper Peninsula over the last twenty five years and hopes to have her first gallery exhibit in 2023. Her pen name is Toj- Teacher of Joy- given to her by her art mentor John Fritz in high school and later by her college mentor Keiko Hara. Besides it is much easier to sign than Tammy Lynn Webeck Pasko Gajewski.

Steven Hughes

Graphic Artist; Illustrator; Mixed Media Artist; Painter; Photographer; Teacher/Instructor

Steven Hughes, who goes by the artist name Primary Hughes, is best known for his colorful acrylic portraits, having shown in numerous pop-culture and illustration-focused gallery exhibitions in California and New York. As an artist residing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Professor of Illustration at Northern Michigan University, he can often be found exploring the natural landscape along the coast of Lake Superior with his plein-air kit. His painting and illustration work revels in the interplay of light and color, and the emotional impact in quieter moments of determination, thoughtful reflection, and preparation for a thing that must be done. View more of his work on Instagram or his website, primaryhughes.com

Scott Laursen

Photographer

Scott Laursen is a fine art documentary photographer who holds an MFA from the New Hampshire Institute of Art. He spends time in both urban and rural environments documenting life and telling stories. Laursen combines his loves for traditional film photography, digital, and alternative processes in his digital studio and darkroom. He has exhibited photography from the West Coast to the East Coast, and Internationally.

Gail Mahan

Painter

Gail spent her childhood along the shores of Lake Superior hiking, swimming and fishing in the summer. During the winter hours were spent drawing, painting, writing poetry and reading. While attending Northern Michigan University Art and Design Program she studied under Bill Hamilton, Carl Mayer, Gordon McKenzie and Laura Stahl Maze. Traveling in England, Japan and living in the Southwest for 14 years has influenced her art yet she has a special place in her heart for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the beauty of nature. Some of her awards and exhibits include Honorable Mention in the first Fresh Coast Plain Air competition in Marquette, Best of Show in two Norlite juried competitions and Best of Show at the Marquette Co. Fair juried exhibition in 2008. Her style tends toward impressionistic realism using a variety of mediums depending on what effect she wants to convey or what mood she wants to express.

Colleen Maki

Illustrator; Painter; Photographer

Former high school French and art teacher who is now focusing on her own art! Ever since I can remember I’ve been fascinated with all forms of art, but photography and sketching in particular. Living here in The U.P. is a paradise for nature photography. I have been experimenting with photography on metal, canvas, wood and acrylic. Almost daily I’m out hiking or kayaking with cameras in hand. Another love is acrylic painting. Recently I started “Art Rocks” which are famous paintings done on U.P. rocks. My work is sold at The Gallery downtown Marquette or from my facebook page “Lensations”.

Taryn Okesson

Mixed Media Artist; Muralist; Painter; Photographer

Taryn Okesson is from Marquette, MI and graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2009 with a BFA in Fine Arts. She and her husband began traveling by RV in 2019 and those experiences influence her current work. In her travels she collects samples of objects and textures. She also keeps a catalog of her own photography to create from. Taryn’s art is inspired by animal symbolism, life/death cycles and the unique interconnectedness of the natural world. An interdisciplinary artist, her media include: photography, ink, acrylic and mixed-media paintings.

Amelia Pruiett

Author/Writer; Illustrator; Media/Visual Communications; New Media/Technology; Storyteller

I have drawn as long as I could hold a marker, and have formal art training via an Art & Design minor from Northern Michigan University. Despite several decades of drawing and creating, I have only recently focused my creative energies into a sustained project. I’ve always been inspired by nature and have found a delight in capturing the incredible intricacies and diversity of details. I love to nature journal and humanize the scientific. I grew up as the co-pilot of my father’s Cessna 172 and have dreamed of the freedom of flight ever since. All of this considered, my pursuit of winged things began. I hope to create a portfolio that catalogs the many shapes, sizes and colors of our feathered friends and some fascinating facts about them along the way. As a hunter, I am blessed with the opportunity to study upland birds and waterfowl up close. The way their iridescent feathers gleam with the sun and the astonishing complexity of God’s glorious creations. I am using a process known as digital drawing. An entire studio of colors and brushes to choose from right at my fingertips allows me to take my work anywhere. While I sometimes miss the tactile scratch of charcoal on paper and patiently mixing the correct shade of paint, the artistic process still applies to digital drawing and presents the opportunity to master new skills. My work is currently available at Amelia’s Craft Market and Boutique in downtown Marquette, MI.

Laura Songer

Illustrator; Muralist; Painter

Laura Songer is an Ecologist Artist who studied drawing and water color at MTU and Botanical Illustration at the Chicago Botanical Garden. After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Plant Ecology from Michigan Technological University she worked as an animal/human virology tech and a Medical Illustrator. Her work has been published in several medical journals, publications and a text book. Currently she is the owner of Wintergreen Hill Gallery in Marquette, MI and manages a forest of over 600 privately owned acres. She also gardens, cross country ski races, and loves trail running, biking and Christian evangelism all of which inspire and influence her work in the fine arts.

Kathy Thomas

Painter; Photographer; Teacher/Instructor

Kathy is an abstract artist living in Cedarville. She grew up in the U.P. and spent many summers on the waters of the Les Cheneaux Islands. She married a Colorado native and with him and their three children, relocated to Cedarville in 2014. She desires to create thought provoking artwork and is excited to teach unique techniques that will inspire others. In 2022 she joined the Les Cheneaux Arts Council Advisory Board. As a member of this organization she has enjoyed teaching art classes to the public and becoming more engaged with the local art community. Kathy is also the Executive Assistant at the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. Being up to date with community developments and resources for small businesses has proven to be very beneficial in relation to her artwork and Arts Council engagement.