ART IN THE PARK

WHERE THE NORTHWOODS DREAM OUT LOUD

Emberlight’s 2026 season begins with the return of Art in the Park — a bold outdoor exhibition transforming Miners Memorial Heritage Park into one of the most distinctive artistic experiences in the Upper Midwest.

From June 27 through August 22, visitors are invited to wander the 1.2-mile Aurora Loop and discover large-scale installations nestled among towering pines, winding trails, and the rugged beauty of the Northwoods. Created by artists from across the region, this year’s exhibition reflects Emberlight’s 2026 theme, New Ways to Dream — exploring imagination, transformation, memory, identity, and the power of collective creativity.

This summer marks the most ambitious expansion of Art in the Park to date.

Alongside this year’s juried installations, Emberlight proudly unveils two major community-centered projects through Art For All. A new collaborative installation invites audiences themselves to become part of the artistic process, while a second large-scale work — created in partnership with students from five regional schools — draws inspiration from Ojibwe doodems, reflecting themes of kinship, ancestry, and connection to the natural world through the voices and creativity of the next generation. Supported through funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the project places young artists at the heart of the festival in a powerful new way.

Whether you spend an afternoon exploring with friends, bring the family for a weekend walk, or stumble upon a sculpture glowing through the trees at golden hour, Art in the Park offers something increasingly rare: space to slow down, reflect, and encounter art in conversation with the landscape around us.
The season officially opens on June 27 with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring participating artists, community partners, and a special performance by Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company honoring the spirit of this year’s Art For All projects.

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

And don’t forget — your voice matters.

Festival audiences can vote online all summer long for this year’s expanded Audience Prizes, now divided into two categories:

• Solo Artist Audience Prize — $500
• Group/Organization Audience Prize — $500

The Grand Prize ($1,500) and Emberlight Choice Prize ($500) will be announced during the opening reception for Emberlight Photographers on July 15 at 4:00 pm at the Historic Depot Museum. The Audience Prize winners will be revealed during Emberlight’s closing concert event, Something Wonderful, on August 22.

ACCESSIBILITY

Complimentary golf cart tours will return this summer, offering an accessible and relaxing way to experience the exhibition. Tour schedules and online sign-ups will be announced in June. The golf cart will also be available to assist patrons attending Performance Infusions throughout the season.