Arts and Culture

Northern Michigan University English professor Lynn Domina will host a webinar with award-winning author Shelly Puhak about her nonfiction debut, The Dark Queens, at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17. The event is part of the continuing series “Let's Talk about Books at NMU.” Registration is required, but free.

Northern Michigan University jazz ensembles will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The performance will be directed by Mark Flaherty, professor and Music Department chair, along with instructors Patrick Booth and Dave Ziegner.

In the burgeoning craft beer industry, packaging is increasingly important. Colorful and eye-catching label designs help to differentiate brands and flavors, and attract the attention of consumers faced with a plethora of choices on store shelves. Northern Michigan University alumnus Jim Young is the in-house designer for Traverse City's Right Brain Brewery. Many of his artistic creations begin as simple pencil-and-paper sketches—a nod to his bachelor's degree in illustration from Northern.

The Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company will present a performance at Northern Michigan University that focuses on telling historic tales and stories using traditional Native songs and dances. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in Forest Roberts Theatre. A Theatre for All sensory friendly performance will be held at 1 p.m.

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum is accepting submissions through March 22 for the 2023 “North of the 45th: 16th Annual Upper Midwest Juried Exhibition." Artists living in Michigan, Wisconsin or Minnesota north of the 45th parallel are invited to submit their work.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present its inaugural CO/LAB Company full-length performance, a vibrant dance showcase featuring a variety of styles and three pieces choreographed by NMU students. The schedule includes 7:30 p.m. performances Feb. 2-4 in Forest Roberts Theatre, and a 1 p.m. sensory-friendly Theatre for All matinee on Feb. 4.

A new exhibition titled "It's All Downhill: Alpine Skiing in the U.P." will open at the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University on Saturday, Jan. 21. It focuses on the region's skiing roots introduced by Scandanavians and the Alpine ski hills that have operated across the U.P. for the past 80 years. 

Northern Michigan University 1998 alumnus Kelsey Mann is directing "Inside Out 2," the sequel to the Academy Award-winning best animated feature. The movie is slated for release in June 2024. It will follow the original human, Riley, as a teenager encountering new emotions. The returning voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black will introduce familiar characters Joy, Sadness and Anger.

An exhibition of creative works by Northern Michigan University School of Art & Design faculty will open with a free, public reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at NMU's DeVos Art Museum. The Faculty Biennial Exhibition highlights diverse achievements in all media and concentrations.

Two Northern Michigan University alumni collaborated on a 20-minute independent documentary titled The Iron Town, which delves into Negaunee's mining history, current issues, and the key role that outdoor recreation is playing in guiding the city's future. Both will discuss the making of the film, with a screening to follow, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The project premiered at the 2022 Fresh Coast Film Festival.