Arts and Culture

Author Nicole Walker to Give Reading at NMU

Nicole Walker
Sep. 12, 2018 —

The English department at Northern Michigan University will kick off its annual Visiting Writers Series with a reading by notable essayist and author Nicole Walker from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. The reading will be in Jamrich Hall 1318 and is open to the public. The event is the first of several that will take place on campus throughout the 2018-19 academic year.  

NMU Woodworkers Inspired at Art Center

Image of the Ranch Furniture
Sep. 12, 2018 —
NMU Senior Tim Kruger has long been interested in woodworking, particularly furniture design. But “an epiphany” during a woodturning class led by Professor Jason Schneider convinced him to hone in on his true passion: teaching. Kruger was inspired to apply for a summer workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colo., and received a scholarship to attend. Schneider also returned to “the Ranch,” where he had worked for a decade before joining NMU’s faculty, to teach two summer workshops.

Berens Brings 'Manitowoc Minute' to NMU

Charlie Berens
Sep. 6, 2018 —

Comedian Charlie Berens, the camouflage-clad host of the popular “Manitowoc Minute” online video series, will bring a live version of the show to Northern Michigan University. The Wisconsin native will discuss local headlines, da Packers and all things Midwestern during the Marquette stop of his “Oh My Gosh Tour.” His show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students.

May's Book Noted by 'The New Yorker'

An American Quilt Book Cover
Aug. 2, 2018 —

NMU English Professor Rachel May's An American Quilt appeared at the top of a recent "Briefly Noted" column in the books section of The New Yorker. The description reads: "In this far-reaching history, the discovery of an unfinished antebellum quilt becomes an investigation of the fragile scraps of documents used to make its backing. The fragments lead May to a white couple in South Carolina, who incorporated fabric left over from their slaves’ “gowns” into the quilt, as well as to some of the 13-plus people whom the family owned.

Alumnus Combines Culinary and Graphic Art

Drake Nagel ('12 BFA)
Jul. 31, 2018 —

Drake Nagel ('12 BFA) puts his graphic design skills honed at NMU to work on behalf of his two culinary ventures: Happy's Taco Shop in Petoskey; and a food truck business that extends to Traverse City. In a Petoskey News-Review artist profile, Nagel said cooking is his first love, but he also recognizes the importance of establishing a brand through a logo and other visual elements. So he has combined both talents, creating a number of menu boards for the food trucks and designs for available merchandise offered through the company.

Center for U.P. Studies Receives Award

Image of Magnaghi accepting the award
Jul. 9, 2018 —
The NMU Center for Upper Peninsula received the 2018 Superior Award from the Historical Society of Michigan. The award recognizes historical societies, museums and other organizations that preserve and advance U.P. history. Professor Emeritus Russ Magnaghi, who was the first director when the center was established in 1994, accepted the honor on behalf of NMU at the HSM's 69th annual U.P. History Conference.