Artists | UP Arts & Culture Alliance

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Peg Sandin

Musician; Painter

Painting has become almost as important to me as breathing. Watercolor is my favorite medium because of the spontaneity and immediacy that it requires. Living on Lake Superior and observing the play of light off the lake inspire my work. The change of seasons is one of the reasons I live in this area. It provides me with all new color palettes and textures to explore. Winter on Lake Superior is the most dramatic, especially when the lake is almost completely frozen. The light is new and pastel, the lake crunches, and snow blankets the earth and softens the harsh cold. When the little buds of new plants push through the ground, spring is on its way. The wonderful new colors of the buds, the new growth in the woods and the melting of the ice make the blue lake look very welcome. Summer is rich in color and warmth. The lake becomes alive with visitors who play along the shores and fly over the waters. Fall greets me with a burst of color that is difficult to mimic. The spectacular show of color lasts only a few weeks, but remains a favorite time of year for me.

Jalen Sims

Artisan; Artist of Color; Graphic Artist; Media/Visual Communications; Mixed Media Artist; Multiple Art Forms; Muralist; Musician; Painter; Printmaker; Producer; Spoken Word Artist; Vocalist/Singer; Voiceover

Jalen Sims is a multi-talented creative force, excelling as a graphic designer, artist, and musician. With an innate ability to blend visual aesthetics and sonic landscapes, Jalen brings a unique perspective to every project he undertakes. As a graphic designer, his keen eye for detail and innovative design approach captivate audiences and breathe life into brands. Simultaneously, his artistic prowess allows him to express his vibrant imagination on canvas, infusing his artwork with bold colors and thought-provoking themes. Jalen’s talents extend beyond the visual realm, as he also harnesses his musical abilities to create captivating melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. With a diverse range of skills and an unwavering passion for creativity, Jalen Sims continues to inspire and push the boundaries of artistic expression in all its forms.

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.