Whether you are looking to spend a day strolling through an art museum, an evening at the theatre, or participate in a workshop to hone your creative skills, West Michigan has something for every artist and art lover to enjoy.  Art is timeless and beautiful, ranging in all types of mediums forms, and genres. From sculptures to paintings, and crafts to photography - all types of art can please everyone. But the best thing about art? It can be celebrated and enjoyed throughout the year! No matter if it’s cold, warm, or rainy - art can be praised and shared. So don’t let these winter seasons stop you from celebrating art. If anything, these West Michigan destinations are encouraging you to stop by more often to see winter-related activities and arts! So you become an art connoisseur this winter by visiting these West Michigan locations and artists.

 

South West Michigan

 

Art

 

Come to River Saint Joe on Saturday, October 12th from 12 - 5 p.m. for "Hops, Honey & Wildflowers" a local and sustainable artisan market. Featuring a variety of artists, makers, and crafters, shop and support small businesses showcasing the best of Southwest Michigan. Check out their website for a full list of participating artists, and make plans to come and grab drinks at River Saint Joe Brewery. 

 

Step into the “142 Years of Tibbits Opera House” exhibit for a journey through Coldwater’s historic theatre. You'll find a vibrant collection of paintings, photos, and cool memorabilia that’s sure to grab your attention. From vintage gems to iconic artifacts, this exhibit is perfect for anyone who loves a good story or just enjoys a stroll down memory lane. Whether you’re a local, a traveler, or just someone looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, this showcase offers a fantastic mix of history and nostalgia that’s sure to delight you. Come on by and experience the charm of Tibbits Opera House firsthand. 

 

Art

 

Known as The Art Coast of Michigan, Saugatuck/Douglas/Fennville has dozens of working painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and other artists who call this area home. You’re invited to wander through their many galleries and studios, where you’ll encounter fine art in every medium from a mix of local and national artists. Visitors are invited to experience the creative process in action during the 35th Blue Coast Artists Annual Studio Tour. This free event takes place on the weekend of October 5th - 6th, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on both days, and includes nine working artists' studios located between South Haven and Saugatuck. Be sure to join them for their 48th Annual Fall Gallery Stroll on October 12th - 13th, a highly anticipated art event held in downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. Stroll through dozens of galleries and artists’ studios as they extend their hours and feature special exhibits and activities. 

 

Additional Places to Check Out Art in South West Michigan:

 

Central West Michigan

 

Art

 

At IndiGrow, they believe in celebrating and supporting local creativity, which is why their facility proudly features a stunning mural by renowned artist Jimmy Cobb, capturing the essence of their community's spirit. In addition to this vibrant piece, they showcase and sell works by local artists, including paintings, coloring books, and even greeting cards. Their space is more than just a place of business; it’s a hub for artistic expression. They invite you to visit and support the incredible talents of IndiGrow’s local artists—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

 

Art in the Yard in Grand Haven on Saturday, October 5th from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. is where 40 artists will convert the lumber yard into a gallery full of 2D and 3D art for this one-night event. 10% of the artists’ sales benefit the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. Live music, food truck, and cash bar. Don’t miss this year’s show.

 

Art

 

The performing arts scene is alive and well in Holland. This season, Park Theatre will keep everyone rockin’ with its Legends series – experience Bob Seger, Tom Petty, Grateful Dead, and even Taylor Swift tributes in a historic venue. Hope College’s Great Performance Series welcomes the greatest Renaissance vocal ensemble in existence, and the Holland Symphony Orchestra inspires with Romantic Rachmaninoff. The Knickerbocker Theatre brings the world to the screen with its ongoing art film series, and regional artists display their wares at the Holland Arts Council. For the full spectrum of choices, see the Weekly Calendar and event listings.

 

Additional Places to Check Out Art in Central West Michigan:

 

North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula

 

Art

 

Exploring Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain in the fall is a special treat. Imagine walking through the colorful Autumn forest and looking at more than 50 works of art - sculptures, poetry stones, and more - all representing Michigan culture and history. The nearly 2-mile hiking trail is open year-round, with each season providing a unique northern Michigan experience.

 

Charlevoix has art in abundance and all its forms. Creativity is the order of the day, here for you to enjoy. When visiting, take the time to explore the great public art surrounding the Charlevoix area. While exploring downtown, take in the art and history of Charlevoix's Cultural Corridor, comprising the Circle of Arts, Public Library, and Historical Society. Each of these organizations has delightful displays of art and history. 

 

Art

 

UpNorth Arts in Cadillac has a full slate of programming and classes coming up this fall season. UpNorth Arts provides a place where arts can be practiced, displayed, and enjoyed by the residents of and visitors to Northwest Michigan. UpNorth Arts sponsors promotes and encourages the creative efforts and appreciation of visual, performing, and literary arts in the greater Cadillac community. 

 

If you’re looking for visual and performing arts in the Petoskey area, you can check out Crooked Tree Arts Center, Freshwater Art Gallery, and Concert Venue. The area is also home to many artist-specific or privately-owned galleries to check out. Find more information at their website. 

 

Marquette County is pleased to announce several upcoming public art activations and events for visitors to enjoy this season, including the Fall Phantasm Festival, Fresh Coast Film Festival, Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock, and more. In addition to events and programming, Marquette County is also home to a range of art galleries for visitors and locals to explore. The Marquette Arts and Culture Center is known as the heartbeat of arts and culture in the region and provides ongoing workshops, exhibitions, community art projects, performance events, and more for locals and visitors to enjoy.

 

Art

 

While taking in fall colors along Lake Michigan, make a quick detour to Motel Bear Lake. Located in the sleepy village of Bear Lake, 15 minutes north of Manistee, this retro-modern motel is spotlighting female and queer artists from around the state with their Michigan Mural Wall. They just revealed the newest piece: a collaboration with Art Prize winner Son Visual. This dreamy mural depicts a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset in-laid with a deer, wood duck, and seagulls. It's an ode to the simple and profound ways nature speaks to us. Previous murals by Rose Color Creative Mariah Scott and Ampersand Lettering Lab's Heather Spooner adorn the wall with an explosion of flowers, sunbursts, and bold colors. Stop by the motel to take in the beauty and snap a pic for Instagram. This isn't going to be a secret for long.

 

Additional Places to Check Out Art in North West Michigan & UP: