The exhibit kicks off Wednesday with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring live music, signature cocktails, and the fine artwork of 39 talented artists, for show and sale through Aug. 31.

“We’re actually doing a summer cocktail tasting that night,” said Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper. “One of our in-house bartenders has done classes. He’s a mixologist.”

Christensen-Cooper is happy with the number of exhibitors in this year’s “SummerView.”

“It’s actually the most we’ve had, post-COVID,” he said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Which is really cool … Even at our peak, prior to all that, we were at 30 to 35, so it’s great to see not only matching our numbers from before, but exceeding them.”

News Photo by Darby HInkley This photo by Kathy Bower is on display in "SummerView 2024."

He said the exhibit will feature some Art in the Loft seasoned exhibitors, and some new talent, as well.

“It’s a mix of new artists,” Christensen-Cooper said. “We’ve got six new artists for this season. Again, you’re going to see some of your favorites back, that have been here for the long haul.”

The artists are exhibiting in many mediums, including painting, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more.

“The great thing is, we have such a range,” he said. “The range of mediums is really cool … We have two woodworkers. We have lots of mixed media artists … We’ve got two metalsmiths, which is really cool, and a good mix of jewelry, too.”

New artists include: Abigail Adams, Lindsay Donakowski, MaryAnne Donadio, Pamela O’Neill, Rita Hess, and Samantha Freske.

News Photo by Darby HInkley This painting by Pam O'Neill is on display in "SummerView 2024."

Many of the artists are from Alpena and Northeast Michigan, but some of them are from other parts of the state.

In addition to the new artists, returning artists displaying in “SummerView 2024” include: Beth Cox, Beth Preston, Bev Wolf, Cheryl Lemke, Christine Jonson, Chuck Schroeder, Dorothea Sandra, Elissa Sweet, Grace Hoeft, Hannah Harte, Jan Herring, Janice Dumas, Jeannie Lamb, Jerry Mills, Jessica Adams, Juliane Richards, Kamara Marsh, Kathy Bower, Ken Nash, Kevin Englund, Leanna Springer, Mariah Brancheau, Marilyn Bachelor, Mary Lightner, Matt Poli, Melissa Smith, Michael and Mieko Kahn, Nycki Cuddie, Peggy Little, Rachel Goodstein, Sam Machulis, Sharon Wade, and Steve Petrides.

Christensen-Cooper encourages people to visit the gallery on the third floor of the Center Building in downtown Alpena at 109 N. 2nd Ave.

“Obviously, summertime brings a lot of visitors to town, and the people that live here bring visitors,” Christensen-Cooper said, adding that the Viking cruise ship visitors can come to the gallery now that it’s back open. “I think it’s a good representation of what we have to offer in Alpena, especially Northeast Michigan. The great thing is that people get to see the local talent … I think Art in the Loft has to be a stop for anybody visiting.”

He encourages residents to check it out too, because there’s always something new and fun to see at Art in the Loft. He added that original, local artwork is not only enjoyable to view, but these pieces are all for sale, and make great gifts.

News Photo by Darby HInkley This floral painting by Rita Hess is on display in "SummerView 2024."

For more information, visit artintheloft.org, or email director@artintheloft.org. Call Art in the Loft at 989-356-4877.

Reach Lifestyles Editor Darby Hinkley at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or 989-358-5691.

News Photo by Darby HInkley This collection of photos by Rachel Goodstein is on display in "SummerView 2024."

News Photo by Darby HInkley This watercolor piece by Elissa Sweet is on display in "SummerView 2024."