Three artists where chosen by the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority at a Membership Show awards program at the Bonifas Arts Center. The artists will be featured during ArtWeek scheduled for July 30 to Aug. 5.

The artists are also expected to be featured in an art garden planned for the Centre Court Park on 11th and Ludington Streets. Escanaba DDA Chair Sue Parker presented the awards to Caroline Italia Carlson of Escanaba, Julie Ann Neisius of Escanaba and Karla Sunn of Rapid River.

Caroline Italia Carlson was chosen for her oil painting title "Beach Bunnies." It is a painting of her children playing in the sand by the water when they were young.

Julie Ann Neisius was chosen for her watercolor painting titled "Spring's Song." It is a painting of tall birch trees in the woods.

Karla Sunn was chosen for her acrylic painting titled "Escanaba From Stonington."

Along the with Escanaba DDA awards, artists were chosen for display at the Escanaba Public Library and Gladstone City Hall during an artist reception, Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Austin Ash of Escanaba took first place at the Bonifas Arts Center’s Membership Show.

Ash entered a scrape metal sculpture "Point of Contact" of a figure pierced in pain. He was able to elicit emption by bringing metal pieces together that he collects from junk yards.

Melissa Sharp of Escanaba took second place for "Sanctuary."