We're happy to announce our Partners for the 2019 Fundraiser Jewelry Program! We had so many wonderful applicants, and it was tough to choose just four organizations. We are beyond grateful to live in a community that works so hard for the people who live in it! In the end, though, we did have to choose, and we'd love to tell you a little bit about each organization that we'll be creating a pendant with this year.
The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum opened in March of 1997, five years after it began its initial development. The museum provides family-friendly interactive exhibits for kids. Anyone in the local community who has been there can tell you that it is such a fun space that focuses on education through play. Exhibits focus on art, health, science, communication, global issues, the environment, and related youth empowerment programming.
The Peter White Public Library is a pillar of the Marquette community. The library building has been on Front street since 1904! The library houses books, magazines, e-resources, DVDs, CDs, art prints, and e-books. Additionally, it is a United States Passport Agency, offers meeting centers for public use, houses extensive local history and genealogy collections, proctors exams, and hosts various programs and exhibits. They are well known for decking the halls with Christmas trees each holiday season, and recently for their Sip and Spell competition, which Beth Millner Jewelry has competed in for the past two years!
The Bonifas Arts Center was incorporated in 1974 from several different local organizations, and has since become a center for educational and cultural activities in the region. They have a gallery which hosts both permanent and rotating collections, put on various theater productions each year, offer educational classes for all ages, and host the Waterfront Art Festival. Located in Escanaba, Michigan, the center is a vibrant hub for community arts!
The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority upkeeps the aptly named Iron Ore Heritage Trail. This local trail stretches an impressive 47 miles, and runs through Ishpeming, Michigan. The trail is multi-use and open year round for various types of outdoor recreation including biking, running, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. It's also accessible to wheelchair user at many points. They welcome classroom visits, and feature nine trailheads that connect various communities in Marquette County!
We're grateful for the work these organizations do, and are so excited to create unique pendants for each one. We want to thank everyone who applied to the program, and our amazing community that offers them (and us) support. Keep an eye out for more information as we start creating these pieces.