Pathways In Photography - 10:00am

Frame The World In A Whole New Way
Pathways in Photography is an immersive, hands-on experience that invites participants to explore the art of photography through three unique workshops — all set within the natural beauty of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park. Led by experts from Emberlight’s photography team, these free workshops provide practical guidance, creative inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how to tell stories through images.

Choose your Pathway:
Photojournalism – Learn to capture compelling visual stories as you take a guided tour through Art in the Park, discovering storytelling techniques, video integration, and the art of curating a powerful portfolio.
Nature Photography – Walk the Miners Trail with a professional photographer, uncovering the secrets of composition, lighting, and perspective to transform simple snapshots into breathtaking nature images.
Portrait Photography – Explore the fundamentals of portraiture with hands-on instruction in natural lighting, framing, and camera settings, gaining skills to beautifully capture family, friends, and loved ones.

At the end of the workshop, participants will submit their favorite photo to be displayed in the Emberlight Photographers show for a special exhibition.
No experience? No problem! Fancy equipment is not required; just bring your phone or camera and a sense of curiosity. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just getting started with your phone’s camera, Pathways in Photography will sharpen your eye, ignite your creativity, and help you see the world in a whole new way

Art In The Park Grand Opening - 12:00PM

Join Us At The Starting Line - Art Is Calling!
Kick off Emberlight’s 2025 season in the heart of Miners Memorial Heritage Park with the Art in the Park Opening Ceremony on June 28 at noon! Join artists, performers, and fellow art lovers for a ribbon-cutting celebration, followed by an afternoon of festivities throughout the park.
As you explore this year’s stunning collection of outdoor installations — crafted by artists from across the Upper Midwest — you’ll experience firsthand how our 2025 theme “Cadences of Connection” comes to life through art. These works invite you to reflect on the rhythms that link us to one another and to the world around us.
And don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite piece! The winner of the Audience Prize will be announced during our final concert on August 23, 2025.

Art In The Park - 12:15pm

Where Nature And Creativity Come To Life
Emberlight’s 2025 anniversary season begins on June 28 with the highly anticipated return of Art in the Park, a celebration of creativity, nature, and community. This year’s collection of original outdoor artworks, created by artists from across the Upper Midwest, explores the theme “Cadences of Connection” as it examines the rhythms that unite us — from the pulse of human relationships to the harmony of art and the natural world.
Bring the family for a walk, or grab a coffee with friends and stroll through the park. Nestled along the 1.2 mile Aurora Loop in the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, these large-scale installations blend seamlessly with the beauty of the Northwoods, offering a unique and immersive experience for all visitors. Art in the Park embodies Emberlight’s mission to make world-class art accessible to everyone, inviting you to explore, reflect, and engage with these thought-provoking creations.
And don’t forget — you get to vote! Cast your ballot online for your favorite piece, and the winning artist will receive a $1,000 prize!

Seventh Fire Grand Opening And Blessing - 1:00PM

The Flame Is Lit. The Stories Begin.
Join us for the Opening Ceremony of The Seventh Fire: A Decolonizing Experience, a powerful moment of reflection, recognition, and renewal. Set within the heart of Miners Memorial Heritage Park — on land that once belonged to the Ojibwe Anishinaabe people — this gathering will mark the beginning of the exhibit’s summer installation with a traditional blessing by Native American elders who helped shape and contribute to its creation.
These respected community members will share words, prayers, and cultural wisdom to honor the stories, histories, and sacred teachings represented in the exhibit. All are welcome to witness this meaningful event, which celebrates not only the opening of a powerful installation, but also the strength and resilience of the Anishinaabe people.
Come with open hearts and listening ears as we begin the season by lifting up the voices and traditions that guide the spirit of The Seventh Fire.

The Seventh Fire: A Decolinizing Experience - 1:30pm

A Journey Through History, Resilience, And Rebirth
The Seventh Fire: A Decolonizing Experience is a powerful exhibit that explores the ongoing process of decolonization through the lens of Anishinaabe history, culture, and identity. Set among the winding trails of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, on land that once housed iron mines and, before that, was home to the Ojibwe Anishinaabe people, The Seventh Fire is a powerful outdoor exhibit that explores the past, present, and future of Anishinaabe resilience.
Inspired by the Seven Fires Prophecies, which were given by Anishinaabe prophets over 1,500 years ago and foretold centuries of hardship, including the arrival of European settlers, forced migration, and the devastating impact of boarding schools. But the Seventh Fire offers hope: a prophecy that promises a rebirth of Anishinaabe traditions, spirituality, and sovereignty.
Through carefully curated historical narratives developed by a collaborative team of Indigenous leaders, scholars, and community members, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of decolonization and its role in shaping Indigenous communities today. Placed at the heart of Art in the Park, the exhibit offers a space for reflection, learning, and dialogue.
The Seventh Fire: A Decolonizing Experience is presented in partnership with the Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center, and is funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities

Free

Location: Miners Memorial Heritage Park