Art Attracts Crowds to St. Ignace, Les Cheneaux Waterfronts

At left: One of the newest exhibitors at Cedarville's Art in the Park, Arlene Thompson shows her works at the Saturday, September 1 show, sale, and demonstration. Art in the Park attracts hundreds of spectators, who take advantage of the event's waterfront location and the sunny, mild weather that blessed events all over the Eastern Upper Peninsula that day.

Cedarville artist Randy Dunn (right) shows Terry Shaffer (left) and Liam Shaffer of Laingsburg how he will make the tail on a wooden fish he is carving during one of the artist demonstrations at Art in the Park in Cedarville Saturday, September 1. The Shaffers were in town for a weekend Michigan Audubon Society retreat east of Cedarville. Among many unique items at Arts Dockside in St. Ignace were Chip Harrer's chimes made from ordinary kitchen utensils. He gathers his supplies through thrift stores and garage sales. This is his first year attending the St. Ignace show, which was held Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2, at the public marina. Glassblower Rick Shapero of Cedarville chats with people visiting his booth during Art in the Park in Cedarville. The light on the water of Cedarville Bay provided the perfect backdrop to his work. Entertainment is provided at Arts Dockside throughout the weekend, including Crazy Richard, self-proclaimed "greatest juggler ever...in St. Ignace," who juggles flaming torches and large knives. He performs at the show each year. Dennis Gross firmly staples pieces in place on one of many signs he put together at Arts Dockside. Mr. Gross' Design-a- Sign booth lets people design their own sign with wood pieces, including words and shapes, like the outline of Michigan or a deer head.