A reception was held Sunday for the opening of the Crossing the Straits exhibit at Mackinac Island. Artists from across the U.P. are heading to show at ArtPrize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids. Their work is on display before joining the larger competition.

Mark Ware, CEO of Mission Point Resort and president of the Mackinac Island Arts Council said the Crossing the Straits exhibit is a great opportunity to display so many artists from the Upper Peninsula.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “We have photography, we have tapestries, we have paintings, we have lots of different mixed media, we have sound. It’s really a phenomenal opportunity to see all of these different artists and different artwork being displayed.”

The main part of the exhibit is at Mission Point Resort although artwork is being displayed at several other businesses throughout the island. Ware said art appreciation on the island is growing.

“We have been working with the arts council to grow opportunities for visitors and residents to experience the arts and for artists to show their work on the island. So, we have two advocacy programs. One is to develop artists. The other is the opportunity for guests to experience the artwork,” Ware said.

The exhibit will be open until Sept 7 before the artwork heads to Grand Rapids. ArtPrize opens Sept. 12.