James May Gallery Hosts “Art of Water”

James May Gallery invites the public to join more than 100 regional and national artists celebrating “our most vital resource” at a gallery exhibition spread throughout nine downtown Algoma business including James May Gallery, JMG North, Steele Street Trading Co. & Gallery, Jabberwock Gallery and Studio, Clay on Steele, Yardstick, The Algoma Book Corner, Steele Street Hops and von Stiehl Winery.

This free event focuses on conversation and protection of water, inspired by Algoma’s Lake Michigan coastline. While the galleries will host the artwork for the month of May, there is a reception opening May 4, 5:30-8 pm. Friday’s activities include:  9am-dusk, Water’s Edge Artists painting on-site; 7-10pm, Pay it Forward Ethiopia Food Truck and live music by Levi Zeitler & Chris Ragowski at Steele Street Hops.

The festivities continue May 5 with all locations open to see artworks. Water’s Edge Artists will continue their plein air paintings. JMG North is hosting free screenprinting from 10 am to noon, just bring your own shirt. Algoma Book Corner will also have performances of nature readings, 1:30-3pm.

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Matt Wechsler will preview his new film about the issues of factory farms, followed by the award-winning film, Sustainable, at JMG North. Sustainable was screened at film festivals around the world and recently won the 2016 Accolade Global Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Saturday evening concludes at Steele Street Hops with the music of Kyle Megna (lead man for Kyle Megna & The Monsoons, a 2018 nominee for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Artist of the Year Award) and Ross Catterton 7-10pm.

Donations are being collected to benefit Friends of Crescent Beach whose mission is to promote through advocacy, education and activities the improvement, support, protection and enjoyment of Crescent Beach. For more information visit jamesmaygallery.com/exhibitions/art-of-water-ii.html.