A new exhibit featuring work by artists connected to the Upper Peninsula opens Monday, Feb. 27, at Northern Michigan University’s Devos Art Museum. The exhibit will feature work by painter Michael Friend, an NMU alumnus, and ceramic artist Scott Leipski. A reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, shortly before the exhibit closes on Sunday, April 9.

Combining the formal ideas of pointillism and expressionism with the process of animation, Friend describes his painting method as “dotmation.” Several layers of small ovals are painted by hand, creating patterns of color and movement in his paintings. Friend received his master’s degree in art education at NMU. He taught art and filmmaking in Michigan public schools for 35 years.

A self-taught artist, Leipski utilizes a combination of vintage press molds, hand built forms and a variety of glazing techniques. According to his website, his work explores childhood memories in the hope that the viewer rediscovers their own. Leipski resides in Gladstone, where he has an art studio overlooking Lake Michigan.

Since 2008, the U.P. Focus exhibition series has celebrated artists who are linked to the Upper Peninsula.